Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor, but let’s be honest—it can also be a bit messy and time-consuming to prepare. That’s where this Mini Lasagnas Recipe comes in! These adorable, individually portioned lasagnas are baked in a muffin tin, making them both practical and visually stunning.
Not only are these mini lasagnas easy to serve, but they’re also simple to make, thanks to a clever substitution: wonton wrappers instead of traditional lasagna noodles. No more boiling pasta or dealing with messy layers! Plus, their small size makes them perfect for dinner parties, meal prep, or even a fun twist on weeknight dinners.
Each mini lasagna is packed with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, giving you all the classic flavors of lasagna in a cute, bite-sized form. The crispy edges of the wonton wrappers add an extra layer of texture that traditional lasagna just can’t compete with. Ready to make these? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Mini Lasagnas Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned: These mini lasagnas are baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to serve without the hassle of cutting traditional lasagna. Everyone gets their own perfectly portioned piece!
- No-Boil Noodles: Wonton wrappers take the place of lasagna noodles, eliminating the need to boil pasta. This saves time and effort while still delivering that layered effect.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the lasagnas in advance and bake them when needed, making them ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun, bite-sized presentation is perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap out the sausage for ground turkey, or experiment with different cheeses to make this recipe your own.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 6 (makes 12 mini lasagnas)
Nutrition per serving (2 mini lasagnas):
- Calories: 840
- Fat: 39g
- Carbs: 86g
- Protein: 35g
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this Mini Lasagnas Recipe:
- 4 Italian sausages: Remove the casings for easy crumbling. Italian sausage adds bold, savory flavor to the meat sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings classic Italian flavors to the sauce.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat, but you can adjust this based on your spice preference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic.
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or use homemade for extra flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances the flavor of the meat sauce.
- 12 wonton wrappers: These replace lasagna noodles, creating thin and crispy layers.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy layer.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the lasagna layers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these mini lasagnas is much easier than preparing a traditional lasagna. Just follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Muffin Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian herb seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the muffin cups.
3. Assemble the Mini Lasagnas
- Place one wonton wrapper into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing it down to create a base.
- Add 1 tablespoon of meat sauce to each cup, spreading it evenly.
- Top with 2 teaspoons of ricotta cheese and 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place a second wonton wrapper over the first layer, pressing it down gently. Repeat the layering process with more sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella until all cups are filled.
4. Bake
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges of the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the lasagnas cool for 3–5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
5. Serve
- Garnish the mini lasagnas with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve
These Mini Lasagnas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter as a fun and shareable starter.
- For Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep: Store them in meal prep containers with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce makes all the difference. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make a batch from scratch.
- Seal the Layers: Gently press down the wonton wrappers between layers to ensure even cooking and a neat presentation.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the muffin cups to prevent overflow during baking.
- Customize Your Fillings: Add sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrients.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagnas up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Recipe Variations
If you want to put your own spin on these mini lasagnas, try these variations:
- Vegetarian Mini Lasagnas: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add layers of Parmesan or provolone for even more cheesy goodness.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers or want to make these mini lasagnas ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- To Store: Place cooled lasagnas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze the fully cooked lasagnas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, bake straight from the freezer, adding an additional 5–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well as substitutes for sausage.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
Small flour tortillas or thin slices of zucchini can be used as alternatives to wonton wrappers.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Lasagnas are a creative and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna without the hassle. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep, they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it to suit your preferences, these mini lasagnas are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try them today and share your results—I’d love to see your creations!
PrintMini Lasagnas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (12 mini lasagnas) 1x
Description
These Mini Lasagnas are a creative twist on the classic dish, baked in muffin tins for individual servings. Layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella are held together by crispy wonton wrappers, making this a fun, easy, and mess-free way to enjoy lasagna. Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (4–5 minutes). Stir in marinara, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low.
- Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Add 1 tablespoon meat sauce, 2 teaspoons ricotta, and 1 teaspoon mozzarella. Repeat layers with another wonton wrapper, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for sausage if preferred.
- Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Assemble up to 2 days in advance and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired