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Ghostly Lasagna

A spooktacular twist on a classic favorite, this Ghostly Lasagna is quick, easy, and visually fun—perfect for Halloween gatherings or a creative weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 9 pieces lasagna noodles You can use no-boil noodles for a quicker prep.
  • 1 pound ground beef Or turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought.
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve some for ghostly eyes.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
Seasoning and Garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Black olives For ghostly eyes—optional.
  • Fresh basil For garnish, if you’re feeling fancy!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. If you're using no-boil noodles, just set them aside for later.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned and onion is translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir until beautifully blended.
Layering and Baking
  1. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Layer three lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat layering until you end with noodles and sauce on top.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  4. Immediately after taking it out of the oven, use black olives to create ghost eyes on the cheesy surface.
  5. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

You can prep the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap in veggies like spinach, zucchini, or roasted butternut squash for the meat.