Spooky Halloween Lasagna
This Halloween-themed lasagna features flavorful layers of smoky tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and hearty meat or plant-based filling, topped with playful 'guts' and crispy edges. The dish involves simmering, layering, and baking to achieve a bubbly, golden crust with smoky, caramelized edges that make it both visually striking and comforting. It’s a fun, customizable dish perfect for spooky celebrations and cold nights.
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Calories: 520kcal
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Serving Spatula
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lasagna noodles preferably fresh or high-quality dried
- 4 cups tomato sauce thick and smoky, can be homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for gooeyness and stretchiness
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated for sharpness
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based protein for hearty filling
- 1 cup chopped onions adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth and mystery
- 0.5 cup red wine or balsamic vinegar for brightness
- to taste black olives sliced for spooky garnish
- to taste green bell peppers sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab a large pot, fill it with water, and bring to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef or plant-based protein and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, add a pinch of cinnamon, and splash in the red wine. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, until thickened and fragrant.
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spoon more sauce over, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of sauce and cheese.
- Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish the top with sliced black olives, green bell peppers, or other spooky decorations to add visual punch. Slice and serve your Halloween lasagna while piping hot, with the smoky edges and cheesy layers enticing every bite.
Notes
For added spooky effect, use black food coloring in the cheese or add blackened bacon strips on top before baking. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spicy seasonings for extra flair.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 800mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 3mg