This Ghostly Lasagna is a fun and spooky twist on a classic dish! With layers of cheesy goodness, meaty sauce, and ghost-shaped cheese, it’s perfect for a Halloween meal!
Even if you’re not a monster in the kitchen, this lasagna is simple to make. Just layer it up and bake! Your family will love any spooky surprises on their plates! 👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Standard lasagna noodles work well here, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free versions if needed. Just make sure to follow cooking instructions on the package.
Ground Beef or Sausage: I usually prefer Italian sausage for added flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken is excellent too. For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the meat and sauté a mix of veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives creaminess. If you’re out, cottage cheese blended until smooth makes a good substitute. For lactose-free options, look for lactose-free ricotta.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or provolone can also add a nice twist. If you want a veggie-packed version, consider adding layers of sliced roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
How Do I Shape Ghosts for Decoration?
Creating those ghostly decorations is key to this fun lasagna presentation! Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Take a cup of ricotta and soften it. You can mix it with a little cream or water to give it a smoother texture.
- Using parchment paper, scoop out small portions of the ricotta and shape them into little “ghost” figures. A rounded head with draped arms works perfectly.
- For eyes and mouths, use slices of black olives or sprinkle black sesame seeds for a spooky touch.
- Place them on the warm lasagna just before serving, so they stick a bit but don’t melt away.
It’s all about having fun with the presentation, so feel free to get creative with your ghost shapes! Enjoy your spooky cooking adventure!
Ghostly Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For the Ghost Decorations:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Black olives or black sesame seeds for eyes and mouth
- Parchment paper or plastic wrap for shaping ghosts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghostly Lasagna requires about 20 minutes of preparation time and about 45 minutes of cooking time. That’s a total of about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the Oven:
While you prepare the layers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 9×9 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Then, add one-third of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat this layering process: 3 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and more mozzarella and Parmesan. Finally, finish with the last 3 noodles, the final layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Make Ghost Decorations:
While the lasagna is baking, take another cup of ricotta cheese and soften it slightly. On parchment paper or a clean surface, shape small ghost figures by forming a round head with draped “arms” and “body” underneath to create a ghostly look. Use sliced black olives or black sesame seeds as eyes and a mouth for added spookiness.
8. Add Ghosts on Top:
Once the lasagna is hot and bubbly, carefully place your shaped ricotta ghosts on top just before serving. They’ll stick slightly but won’t melt away too much.
9. Serve:
Slice the lasagna into portions, making sure each guest gets a ghostly companion on their plate. Serve hot and enjoy your spooky Halloween feast!
This Ghostly Lasagna is a delightful way to celebrate Halloween or any fun-loving gathering. The whimsical ricotta ghosts add a creative twist to the beloved lasagna, making dinner both eerie and exciting!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles are a convenient option. Just layer them directly into your dish without pre-cooking, and add a little extra marinara sauce to ensure the noodles cook through properly in the oven.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian variant, simply omit the meat and use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead. You can also add lentils or chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for added nutrition and flavor!
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day ahead! Simply assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help keep it moist if reheating in the microwave!
