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Spooky Halloween Lasagna

This festive lasagna transforms classic layers of beef, cheese, and marinara into a spooky centerpiece with blackened edges and peek-a-boo eyes. It’s baked to bubbly perfection, with a golden top and smoky aroma, offering a cozy yet eerie presentation for Halloween. The dish combines rich flavors and a hearty texture that’s both comforting and visually striking.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey for a leaner option
  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles preferably no-boil or traditional
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese as a quick alternative
  • 16 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded, can add smoked mozzarella for extra smoky flavor
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce your favorite jarred or homemade
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 pinch nutmeg adds warmth to cheese mixture
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley for cheese mixture and garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Boiling pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. The kitchen fills with a rich aroma.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  6. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with beaten egg, chopped parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, and some grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Begin layering your lasagna in the baking dish: spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom, then lay down noodles, followed by dollops of ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  8. Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. The smell of rich tomato and melted cheese will fill your kitchen.
  9. Remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 200°C (390°F). Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, with slightly blackened edges for that spooky look.
  10. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes to set up, making it easier to slice cleanly and preventing gooey messes.
  11. Slice into portions, revealing the gooey, cheesy layers with darkened edges that look like a Halloween spell. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh pop of green.

Notes

For a more spooky effect, you can add small edible eyes made from olives or cherry tomatoes peeking out from the layers before baking. For extra smoky flavor, use smoked mozzarella or add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.