This Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun and spooky dish that’s perfect for Halloween! It’s made with pasta, marinara sauce, and cheesy “eyeballs” that are really meatballs with mozzarella.
Your guests will love how silly yet tasty this meal is. I like to serve it with some garlic bread on the side. It’s such a hit that nobody even cares about the eyeballs! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds sauce well, making it a great choice. If you can’t find rotini, you can use penne or fusilli as alternatives.
Ground Meat: I often use ground beef for its flavor, but Italian sausage adds a nice spice. If you want to skip meat, you could use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Marinara Sauce: A good store-bought marinara is convenient. You could also make your own sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs if you’re feeling up to it.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here, but you can mix in cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. Dairy-free cheese options work too if you’re avoiding dairy.
Olive Slices: For the spooky “pupils,” black olives add great contrast. If olives aren’t your thing, you can use anything round like cherry tomatoes (for a less creepy version!).
How Do You Ensure the Pasta Doesn’t Get Overcooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key to a great bake. Here’s how to do it:
- Always boil pasta in salted water; it enhances the flavor.
- Cook it just until al dente, which means it should still have a little bite.
- Drain and rinse under cold water briefly to stop cooking. This is essential, especially since it’ll bake more with the meat sauce!
Staying mindful of these steps will keep your pasta perfectly textured throughout the bake!
How to Make Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella balls (small bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Black olive slices (for pupils)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Eyeball Pasta Bake takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, making a total of about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a fun dinner or Halloween gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go once your pasta bake is assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend, then remove it from heat.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing them together until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture.
9. Create the Eyeballs:
Take the mozzarella balls and place them on top of the cheese layer, spacing them evenly. These will be your “eyeballs.”
10. Finish with Olive Pupils:
Take a slice of black olive and gently press one into the center of each mozzarella ball to create the “pupil” effect.
11. Bake It:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
12. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s ready, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spooky and delicious Eyeball Pasta Bake!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute rotini with a gluten-free pasta of your choice, such as brown rice or chickpea pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No problem! You can use any tomato-based sauce, like pizza sauce or a simple homemade tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Assemble This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and meat sauce the day before, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, combine them and add the cheese just before popping it in the oven for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
