Ghostly Lasagna

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This Ghostly Lasagna is a hauntingly delicious twist on the classic comfort food we all adore. Layered with rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, spooky mozzarella ghosts, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, it’s a festive dinner that’s both fun and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or just want to surprise your family with something creative, this dish will bring smiles (and a few spooks) to the dinner table.

What sets this lasagna apart isn’t just its creamy, savory layers—it’s the playful presentation. With mozzarella ghosts peeking through the top layer and black olive eyes adding the perfect touch, Ghostly Lasagna turns your favorite pasta dish into a themed celebration. And yes, it tastes as good as it looks.

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What Kind of Lasagna Noodles Should I Use?

You can use either traditional boiled lasagna noodles or oven-ready no-boil noodles for this recipe. If you’re short on time, oven-ready is the way to go. Just make sure to cover the lasagna tightly with foil while baking to help those noodles soften to perfection.

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Ingredients for the Ghostly Lasagna

• 12 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese (cut into ghost shapes)
• 12 black olive slices (for ghost eyes)
• Olive oil for cooking

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How To Make the Ghostly Lasagna

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles and meat sauce.

Step 4: Add the Ghostly Topping

Lay the ghost-shaped mozzarella slices across the top. Place black olive slices on each ghost to make “eyes.”

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Serving and Storing Ghostly Lasagna

Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete your spooky meal. This lasagna is a hit for Halloween potlucks and fall gatherings alike.

Leftovers keep well! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils. Use your favorite vegetarian marinara sauce.

How do I make ghost shapes?

Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter on mozzarella slices or freehand them with kitchen shears. It doesn’t need to be perfect—quirky shapes add to the charm.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese works well as a substitute and adds a bit more protein.

Is it okay to assemble in advance?

Definitely. Assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if chilled.

What can I use instead of black olives for eyes?

Small pepperoni circles or capers work well as alternatives.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this spooky lasagna got your tastebuds howling, you’ll love these other pasta creations:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a luxurious garlic-forward meal.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Cheesy Pizza Bombs for a gooey grab-and-go twist.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles — simple, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna — because one kind of lasagna isn’t enough!

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for Halloween or your next themed dinner night.

And tell me how yours turned out in the comments! Did you go all-in on the spooky theme, or keep it subtle with just a few ghosts? Maybe you used pepperoni eyes instead of olives? I’d love to hear what worked for you and what twists you tried.

Let’s inspire each other with hauntingly good meals. And if you’re craving more fun food ideas, check out my Pinterest: Nina Dishes for daily recipes!

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