Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for single servings.

Can I make this without beef for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Replace beef with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. For inspiration, see Loaded veggie white lasagna .

How do I keep the mozzarella eyeballs from melting too quickly?

Add them right after baking and just before serving. This way they hold their shape and stay spooky throughout your meal.

Beefy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella Eyeballs

Description

This Beefy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is the ultimate Halloween pasta recipe—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and playfully spooky. With bubbling layers of pasta, beef, and gooey cheese topped with eerie mozzarella and olive eyeballs, it’s perfect for a festive family dinner or Halloween party.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb ziti pasta
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12–15 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
12–15 green olive slices
Optional: thin slices of prosciutto for wrapping eyeballs

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook ziti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning and salt.
Stir in marinara sauce, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Toss cooked pasta with sauce until well coated.
Spread half the pasta in baking dish, add a layer of shredded mozzarella, then top with remaining pasta and more mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
Top with mozzarella balls and green olive slices to create eyeballs. Wrap mozzarella in prosciutto for a creepier effect if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the spooky fun!

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook pasta before baking so it doesn’t get mushy. Add mozzarella eyeballs right before serving so they keep their shape. This recipe can be prepped ahead and baked just before guests arrive.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Holiday
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg