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Halloween Lasagna

This playful Halloween lasagna combines layers of pasta, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, spinach, and melted mozzarella, creating a cheesy, gooey dish with a spooky twist. Topped with black olives or cherry tomatoes for eyes, it offers a fun, chaotic presentation perfect for themed gatherings. The final result is a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece with a slightly messy, nostalgic charm.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles preferably wide, flat noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey for leaner option
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped, or frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced for eyes, optional
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved for eyes, optional
  • 3 cups tomato sauce rich and thick
  • 1 yellow onion diced for sautéing with beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pinch nutmeg for ricotta mixture
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Set a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, draping with a damp towel to prevent sticking.
  • In a skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it sizzles and turns from pink to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, filling your kitchen with a rich, tangy smell.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, a pinch of nutmeg, and a splash of milk or water to loosen the mixture, stirring until smooth and vibrant green.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of your baking dish, then layer with noodles, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, sprinkling shredded mozzarella over each layer.
  • Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous top layer of mozzarella cheese and decorating with black olives or cherry tomato halves to resemble spooky eyes.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, the kitchen filling with a bubbling, savory aroma.
  • Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F), and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, with delicious crispy edges.
  • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes to set up, during which it will become easier to slice cleanly and will develop a richer flavor.
  • Slice and serve your spooky, cheesy Halloween lasagna, enjoying the chaotic layers and cheesy goodness with family or friends.

Notes

For extra spooky flair, use black olives or cherry tomatoes as eyes and consider adding green food coloring to the ricotta for a more eerie effect.