Mini Lasagna Bites
These Mini Lasagna Bites offer a fun twist on the classic dish, perfect for parties or a delightful kid-friendly meal. Each bite packs the traditional flavors of lasagna, layered with tasty meats, cheeses, and a hint of garlic, all beautifully encased in delicate wonton wrappers. Customize them to your taste for endless possibilities!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
wonton wrappers
24
sweet Italian sausage
1/2 lb (remove from casing, crumbled)
ground beef
1/2 lb
spaghetti sauce
2 cups
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
ricotta cheese
1 cup
canned mushroom slices
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef together until they are no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir the spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture and remove from heat. Set aside.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and crushed garlic. Set aside.
5
Lightly grease a muffin tin, ensuring all 12 cups are coated.
6
Place a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing gently to mould them to the shape of the tin.
7
Add a small spoonful of the ricotta mixture into the base of each wrapper-lined cup.
8
Spoon a layer of the meat sauce over the ricotta in each cup.
9
Add a couple of mushroom slices on top of the meat sauce.
10
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the mushrooms.
11
Top with another wonton wrapper and gently press down.
12
Repeat the layers of ricotta, meat sauce, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese.
13
Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese to create a delicious crusty top.
14
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
15
Allow the lasagna bites to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin with a fork or small spatula.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Lasagna Bites?
Mini Lasagna Bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional lasagna made using wonton wrappers and a muffin tin.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 individual lasagna bites.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
What kind of wrappers are used for the crust?
This recipe uses 24 wonton wrappers to create the layers.
Can I use different types of meat?
The recipe calls for a mix of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, but you can use just one or a different ground meat.
How do I prepare the meat mixture?
Cook the sausage and ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink, drain the fat, and stir in the spaghetti sauce.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The bites feature a combination of ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the ricotta filling?
Mix the ricotta cheese with one crushed garlic clove in a separate bowl.
Is it necessary to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should lightly grease all 12 cups of the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
How do I assemble the first layer?
Place a wonton wrapper in each cup, add a spoonful of ricotta, a layer of meat sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
How many layers are in each lasagna bite?
There are two main layers, each starting with a wonton wrapper and followed by the cheese and meat fillings.
Can I omit the mushrooms?
Yes, the mushrooms are optional and can be removed based on your personal preference.
How long do these take to bake?
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the bites are done?
The lasagna bites are ready when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
How long should I let them cool?
Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before trying to remove them from the tin.
What is the best way to remove them from the muffin tin?
Use a fork or a small spatula to carefully lift the bites out of the cups.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, they are categorized as kid-friendly and are a perfect size for children's meals.
Can I serve these at a party?
Absolutely, they are excellent party food and work well as appetizers.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of crushed?
The recipe specifically calls for one crushed garlic clove mixed into the ricotta for best flavor distribution.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe suggests one 4-ounce can of mushroom slices, drained.
Can I substitute the wonton wrappers with pasta?
Wonton wrappers provide a unique crispy texture and fit the muffin tin easily, but you could attempt it with very soft boiled pasta sheets cut to size.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with a meat substitute or extra vegetables like spinach and zucchini.
What tags describe this dish?
Tags include lasagna, mini, kid-friendly, appetizer, party food, Italian, and bite-sized.
Can I use spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, if you prefer more heat, spicy Italian sausage is a great substitute for the sweet version.
Should the wonton wrappers be cooked before assembly?
No, the wonton wrappers should be used raw as they will cook and crisp up in the oven.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese helps create a delicious crusty top.
How much meat is required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1 lb of meat (1/2 lb beef and 1/2 lb sausage).
Is there a specific preparation for the sausage?
The sausage should be removed from its casing and crumbled before cooking.
Can I add other spices to the meat?
While the recipe is flavorful as is, you can customize it with oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes.