This Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun and spooky dish, perfect for Halloween or a themed dinner. It’s filled with hearty pasta, rich sauce, and cheesy ‘eyeballs’ made from meatballs and mozzarella!
It’s such a hit at my house that we joke about it being a monster’s favorite meal! 👻 I love serving it with a side salad to balance out all that cheesy goodness. So easy to make and so much fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta shape holds the sauce and adds texture. If rotini isn’t available, consider using penne or fusilli as alternatives for a similar effect.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both add a rich flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, swap with a mix of lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Onion and Garlic: Essential for flavor! If you’re out of onion, shallots make a great substitute. For garlic lovers, you can increase the garlic amount as desired.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred or homemade tomato sauce works. Feel free to use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick or a creamy sauce for a different twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that delicious melt. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using cheddar for a sharper taste or a mix of cheeses for more flavor.
How Do I Assemble the Eyeballs for a Spooky Look?
Creating the “eyeballs” is one of the best parts! To make them stand out, place each mozzarella ball evenly across the top. Here’s how:
- After adding the sauce and pasta layers, position the mozzarella balls so they look like eyeballs.
- Using black olives or tapenade for the pupils really enhances the look. If you prefer, you can even use peppercorns for a fun alternative!
- The eyeball assembly is a creative and fun touch. Let the kids help, too!
And remember, make sure the mozzarella balls are covered with some cheese around them to make them look like they’re “floating” in the saucy pasta. Enjoy making your spooky meal!
Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Eyeballs:
- 10 large mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- Black olives (sliced or halved) and/or black tapenade for pupil decoration
For Flavoring:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Eyeball Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes for baking. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this spooky dish in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick dinner or Halloween fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pasta bake is ready. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente (a little firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Meat and Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the great aroma! Next, add the ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s too much fat, you can drain it off.
3. Mixing the Sauce with Pasta:
Stir in the marinara sauce and your Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to your liking! Now, transfer the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl, and combine it well with the meat sauce mixture.
4. Assembling the Bake:
Now for the fun part! Transfer half of this delicious pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Next, add the rest of the pasta mixture and spread it evenly again.
5. The Eyeball Touch:
Place the mozzarella balls artfully spaced across the top layer of pasta. These are your eyeballs! To create their “pupils,” use a small dollop of black olive tapenade or press in half of a black olive in the center of each mozzarella ball.
6. Baking to Perfection:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella around the eyeballs. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and just a bit golden.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle on some chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your spooky Eyeball Pasta Bake!
This fun pasta bake combines comforting flavors with a creative Halloween twist—perfect for making memories at the dinner table!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this Eyeball Pasta Bake vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef or sausage with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as instructed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
