This fun Ghostly Lasagna is perfect for Halloween! It features layers of cheese and pasta, and spooky ghost shapes made from mozzarella that are sure to make everyone smile.
Making this lasagna is a treat! Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and watch those ghostly shapes appear. It’s a fun meal to share with family, and who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Standard oven-ready lasagna noodles work great. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. Just adjust cooking times as needed for the type you choose.
Ground Meat: I often use ground beef for its rich flavor, but Italian sausage adds a nice spice. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken is great too, or you could opt for a meatless version with sautéed vegetables.
Marinara Sauce: Any store-bought marinara works well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use a simple tomato sauce with added Italian herbs for flavor. Homemade sauce is also a fantastic option if you like to experiment.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives creaminess to our lasagna. For a lighter option, cottage cheese is a good substitute. You can also mix in some spinach for added nutrition.
Ghost Shapes: The mozzarella ghosts are adorable! If you want to switch it up, you could use provolone or even cream cheese for a different taste, but mozzarella has that perfect melting quality that looks great.
How Do I Layer My Lasagna Properly?
Layering can make or break your lasagna! It’s essential to build it right, so each bite is packed with flavor.
- Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, so noodles don’t stick.
- Place three lasagna noodles side by side across the sauce.
- Spread half of your ricotta mixture over the noodles gently, then top with half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat this whole process for the second layer.
- Finish with a third layer of noodles, topped with sauce and plenty of mozzarella.
- Don’t forget to add the ghost shapes on top before baking for that spooky touch!
Make sure to let it sit after baking; this helps it set up and prevents it from being too runny when you serve.
Ghostly Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Ghost Decorations:
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella or sliced mozzarella cheese
- Black edible food marker pen or small bits of black olives (for ghost eyes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghostly Lasagna takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a fun family dinner or Halloween gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and drizzle them with olive oil, tossing gently to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
Next, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage), chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 6-8 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper! Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give your lasagna a lovely creamy layer.
4. Layer the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Follow with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, the rest of the ricotta, and the rest of the meat sauce.
5. Add the Final Touches:
For the last layer, place the remaining 3 noodles on top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over it. Now for the fun part—let’s make some spooky ghosts! Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or freehand to cut ghost shapes from the fresh mozzarella. Arrange them on top of the lasagna.
6. Create Ghostly Faces:
Using a black edible food marker or small bits of black olives, make eyes on each mozzarella ghost to give them character!
7. Bake Your Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let It Rest:
After pulling your lasagna from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will help it hold its shape when you cut into it.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your Ghostly Lasagna with fresh parsley, then serve warm and enjoy this festive, cheesy delight!
This recipe combines classic lasagna layers with a fun Halloween twist by adding cute mozzarella ghosts on top for a festive presentation. Happy cooking!
Can I Use No-Cook Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-cook lasagna noodles can save you some time. Just layer them in the same way, but you might want to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook through properly as they won’t absorb water while boiling.
How to Store Leftover Lasagna?
Let your lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture. Just blend it a bit for a smoother consistency if you prefer!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture, or even layer in some roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they’re cooked so they don’t release excess moisture into the lasagna!
