This spooky Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun twist for your dinner! It’s packed with cheesy goodness, topped with creepy meatballs that look like eyeballs—perfect for Halloween!
Kids will giggle while digging in, and honestly, who doesn’t love cheesy pasta? I always serve it with a side salad to balance out the fun. Just make sure the lights are dim for a spooky vibe! 👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni is a great choice because its shape holds the sauce well. If you can’t find it, consider using penne or fusilli instead. These shapes also enhance the overall texture!
Ground Meat: Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but turkey or chicken work nicely for a lighter dish. Vegetarian options like lentils or black beans can also be used to make meatless “eyeballs.”
Breadcrumbs: I like using plain breadcrumbs for binding. If you want to add extra flavor, seasoned breadcrumbs will do the trick. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace them if needed.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: These add a fun touch! If unavailable, you can slice a regular mozzarella block into rounds for a similar effect. Just make sure they’re about the same size!
Black Olives: They create the “pupil” for our eyeballs. If olives aren’t your thing, try using sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color instead. You can also skip them completely.
How Do I Get My Meatballs Just Right?
Cooking the meatballs perfectly is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make them tough!
- When browning, ensure your oil is hot enough to sear the meatballs. This helps lock in flavor.
- Cook them on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes without overcrowding the pan. Brown them on all sides, but don’t stress if they’re not cooked through yet; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
By following these steps, your meatballs will be deliciously juicy and packed with flavor! Enjoy your Eyeball Pasta Bake! 👁️
Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as rigatoni or short rigged pasta)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Eyeballs:
- 8-10 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), about 1 inch each
- Black olives, pitted (one olive per mozzarella ball, sliced into rings)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Eyeball Pasta Bake will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 40 minutes. Fast and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when you’re done assembling your dish.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to stop cooking when it’s just al dente, then drain it and set it aside. We want the pasta slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides, but don’t worry if they’re not completely cooked through (around 4-5 minutes). They will finish cooking in the oven!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until all the noodles are coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread about half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
7. Arrange the Meatballs:
Now, place the browned meatballs over the pasta layer, spaced out nicely.
8. Add Remaining Pasta:
Top the meatballs with the remaining pasta and sauce, spreading it all around and over the meatballs.
9. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire dish.
10. Create the Eyeballs:
Place a small mozzarella ball (bocconcini) on top of each meatball. Then, press a slice of black olive onto the center of each mozzarella ball to make the “eyeball” pupils. It’s a fun touch!
11. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
12. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if you wish. Then, it’s time to serve!
Enjoy your spooky and delicious Eyeball Pasta Bake — a festive meal perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion! 🎃👀
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can be substituted for regular pasta for a healthier option. Just be sure to watch the cooking time closely, as whole wheat pasta may cook a bit faster or slower depending on the brand.
How to Make It Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat or a mix of finely chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also use lentils or black beans for added protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry when reheating!
Can I Freeze This Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. It can also be baked directly from frozen; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
