This Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun and spooky dish perfect for Halloween or whenever you want to add a twist to dinner! It’s full of meat, cheese, and pasta that makes everyone smile.
The best part? Those “eyeballs” are just gooey cheese and olives! I love to serve this with some garlic bread because, let’s face it, pasta and bread are like best friends. 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: A fun, spiral pasta works great here, but you could swap it for penne, fusilli, or shells if that’s what you have on hand. No one will complain about the shape!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you need a meat-free dish, try using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty replacement.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These make the “eyeballs” in this recipe. If you want an eggless version, you could use large, round balls of mozzarella with an olive pupil instead!
Cheese: Mozzarella is traditional, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or a cheesy blend can also add great flavor. Just make sure it melts well!
How Do I Get My Eyeballs to Look Great?
The eyeball decoration really makes this dish fun. For each hard-boiled egg, be careful while slicing a small circle in the middle to place the “pupil.” It helps the olive stick better and looks more eye-like!
- Use a sharp knife and take your time to make a clean cut.
- Use food-safe gloves if you prefer – it’ll keep everything neat and clean!
- When placing the egg “eyeballs,” make sure they’re spaced evenly for a creepy-cool look.
Remember, it’s all about having fun with the presentation, so don’t stress too much. Enjoy creating this spooky dish!
Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
For the Eyeballs:
- 12 peeled hard-boiled eggs (for eyeballs)
- 12 black olives (pitted, for pupils)
- 12 green olives or slices of green bell pepper or a ring of green onion (for iris)
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or dried oregano & basil for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Eyeball Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then around 25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and spooky meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step to make sure your pasta bake cooks evenly!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rotini pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente according to package instructions. Once done, drain it in a colander and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
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 becomes soft. Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using any. Cook this until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir it well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Mix in the Pasta and Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and add the drained pasta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
7. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Transfer the delicious pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top to create a lovely cheesy crust.
8. Make the Eyeballs:
Now for the fun part! Slice the green olives into rings or use the green bell pepper slices for the iris of the eyeballs. Carefully slice a small circle in one side of each hard-boiled egg to help attach the “pupil.” This is how we’ll get our olives to stick on perfectly!
9. Add Eyeballs to the Bake:
Place the hard-boiled eggs on the pasta bake, rounded side up, spaced evenly throughout. Top each egg with a green olive slice (iris) and then add a black olive slice (pupil) in the center of each egg.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Now, it’s baking time! Put your pasta bake in the oven uncovered and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let your Eyeball Pasta Bake cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to dish out and helps avoid any burnt tongues!
Enjoy your spooky and fun Eyeball Pasta Bake! It’s perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want to impress with a creepy yet delicious meal! 🎃
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for this dish, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just ensure the pasta is fully cooked to al dente to avoid mushiness when baked!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken is a fantastic alternative. For a vegetarian version, try using cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Eyeball Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
