This Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun, spooky dish perfect for any gathering. It combines pasta, meatballs, and cheesy goodness, all in one hearty bake!
Your guests will get a kick out of those creepy eyeballs made from meatballs and olives! I love making this for Halloween; it’s easy and always gets smiles — scary good! 👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its twists and turns that hold onto the sauce beautifully. You can swap it with penne or fusilli if you have those handy—they’ll work just as well!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I prefer using Italian sausage for a tasty kick, but ground turkey or chicken is a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, consider using meatless crumbles!
Hard-Boiled Eggs: The eggs give the “eyeball” effect. If you want to skip eggs, try using cherry tomatoes or small mozzarella balls with a piece of olive on top for a similar appearance.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a creamy texture. Feel free to mix in some cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor boost or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and Bubbly?
The key to perfectly melted cheese lies in the baking process! Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, usually around 20-25 minutes.
- Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente before baking; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- If you like extra browning on top, broil for an additional minute—just keep a close eye on it!
Tips for Decorating the Eyeballs
To make your eyeballs look spooky, slicing the hard-boiled eggs and placing the black olives in the center is a great trick. For the “blood vessels,” use red food coloring or ketchup but apply it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Using whole olives can create a more dramatic eye effect, while slices are easier to manage.
- For added fun, think about using different colored olives or even cherry peppers as the pupils!
These tips and ingredient suggestions will help make your Eyeball Pasta Bake a hit at any party!
How to Make Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Eyeballs:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 12 black olives (whole or sliced for the pupil)
- Red food coloring or ketchup (optional, for “blood vessels”)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Eyeball Pasta Bake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, totaling about 40 minutes. Perfect for a spooky dinner or Halloween party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat afterward.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this sauce to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Take the cooked pasta and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and stir until everything is evenly combined.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta.
7. Prepare Eyeballs:
Slice each hard-boiled egg in half and arrange them cut side up on top of the pasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can leave them whole for a more dramatic look.
8. Add the Pupils:
Place one black olive slice (or whole olive if you kept the eggs whole) in the center of each egg to mimic the pupil of an eyeball.
9. Create “Veins” (Optional):
For a spooky touch, use a fine brush or toothpick to add thin streaks of red food coloring or ketchup on the eggs to represent blood vessels. This adds a festive touch!
10. Bake:
Carefully place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your festive Eyeball Pasta Bake!
This fun dish is perfect for Halloween or any gathering where you want to impress your friends with something creative and delicious!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, you can swap it for other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking times as they may vary a bit.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by using meatless crumbles instead of ground beef or sausage. You could also add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems a bit dry.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, assemble everything in the baking dish, and then cover and refrigerate. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge!