This fun Eyeball Pasta Bake is sure to be a hit at dinners! It features cheesy pasta with spooky meatballs that look like eyeballs—perfect for a Halloween meal or just for laughs!
My family loves how cheesy and gooey it gets when baked. Plus, who doesn’t want to eat pasta with “eyeballs”? It’s the kind of dish that makes you smile just looking at it! 🍝👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love rotini for its twists, which catch all the sauce! If you can’t find it, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both add great flavor. I often mix them for a richer taste. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: These are key for the “eyeball” look. To save time, you can buy pre-boiled eggs from the store. Or use small mozzarella balls for a quicker option!
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce is perfect here. If you’re making it from scratch, add some herbs like basil and oregano for an extra touch.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pasta and Build Layers?
Cooking the pasta just right is important for this bake. You’ll want it al dente, which means it’s firm to the bite. This way, it holds up during baking without getting mushy.
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by a minute or two.
- In the baking dish, mix the pasta with the meat sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Top it with the cheese, and don’t be shy here! Cheese makes everything better.
Layering is key in this dish. Place the “eyeballs” on top last so they create that fun Halloween look. Trust me, it will impress everyone!
Eyeball Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680g) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Eyeballs:
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- Sliced black olives (for the eyeball pupils)
- Sliced roasted red pepper or pimento (for the eyeball iris)
Extras:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Eyeball Pasta Bake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of about 40 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for that spooky occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente (slightly firm to the bite). After that, drain it and set it aside. You want it to hold up when baked!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Mmm, doesn’t it smell great?
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it out!
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Now, stir in the marinara or pasta sauce and let that simmer for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until well-combined.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top!
8. Create the Eyeballs:
Take the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half, or leave them whole. Place them on top of the pasta to mimic “eyeballs.”
9. Add Eye Details:
Place a slice of roasted red pepper or pimento in the center of each egg to create the iris. Then, add a slice of black olive on top of the red pepper for the pupil.
10. Bake the Dish:
Put the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Final Touches:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you’d like, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Eyeball Pasta Bake warm and watch as everyone digs in. This dish is perfect for Halloween or any fun get-together—bring on the giggles!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef or sausage for a meat alternative, like lentils or plant-based meat crumbles. Also, make sure you choose marinara sauce that doesn’t contain meat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of sauce or a bit of water if it’s dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the Eyeball Pasta Bake up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.