This Eyeball Pasta Bake is a fun and spooky dish that’s perfect for a party! With creamy cheese, flavorful sauce, and spaghetti that looks like eyeballs, it’s sure to make everyone smile.
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both tasty and funny, this is it! I love serving it with a big salad on the side. You might want to warn your guests before they dig in! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini works well for this dish due to its spirals that hold sauce nicely. You can swap it with penne or fusilli if needed. Gluten-free options are great, too!
Ground Meat: Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but you can use ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Onion and Garlic: These provide essential aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute onion with shallots or omit it entirely. Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch!
Marinara Sauce: Any brand will do, but homemade sauce can elevate the dish. You can use tomato sauce with added spices as a quick alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for gooeyness. You can mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Do You Get Your Eyeballs to Look Perfect?
Creating the “eyeballs” is a fun twist! For best results, pat the mozzarella balls dry so they don’t release too much moisture while baking. This helps keep their shape and appearance.
- After placing the cheese on the pasta, gently press down to secure them a bit.
- Add the olive slices as pupils right before baking to maintain their shape and prevent burning.
- Keep an eye on your bake as it cooks; you want those mozzarella balls to get slightly golden, not fully melted!
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 ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Cheese:
- 24 oz (700 g) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 large mozzarella balls (about 1.5 inches each), for “eyeballs”
- 4 black olives, sliced (to make the pupils)
Other Essentials:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. Prepare yourself for a fun cooking adventure that results in a deliciously spooky meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your dish is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for around 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
5. Combine with Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, mixing well.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta to the meat and sauce mixture. Toss it all together until the pasta is well coated.
7. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over this layer. Then add the remaining pasta and top it off with the rest of the cheese.
8. Create the Eyeballs:
Pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels. Place them spaced apart on top of the pasta to resemble eyeballs. Cut the black olives into small circles and stick one slice as the pupil on each mozzarella ball.
9. Bake It:
Put the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the mozzarella balls appear slightly melted.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This way, the cheese will set a bit. Then serve and enjoy your delicious Eyeball Pasta Bake, complete with creepy, cheesy eyeballs!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry!