Eyeball Pasta Bake: A Spooky And Delicious Halloween Dinner
A creepy yet tasty baked pasta with gooey cheese, meatball “eyeballs,” and savory marinara—perfect for Halloween parties and family fun.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Holiday
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Halloween-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the “Eyeballs”:
1 pound ground beef or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh mozzarella slices (or mozzarella balls, halved)
Black or green olives, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pasta Base
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef (or sausage), season with salt, pepper, and Italian spices, and cook until browned.
Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Eyeballs
5. Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
6. Form into small meatballs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. In a baking dish, combine pasta, sauce, and half the mozzarella.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan and remaining mozzarella over top.
10. Nestle cooked meatballs on top.
Step 4: Add the Eyeball Effect
11. Place a slice of mozzarella (or halved mozzarella ball) on each meatball.
12. Top with a sliced olive pupil.
13. Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
14. Garnish with basil if desired and serve hot for a creepy Halloween dinner!
Notes
Use string cheese slices if fresh mozzarella isn’t available.
Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
Vegetarian version: use cherry tomato “eyeballs” with mozzarella and olives.
Add marinara drizzle for a “bloody” zombie version or pipe sour cream spiderwebs for fun.
