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Spooky Halloween Lasagna

This Halloween-themed lasagna features layered noodles, seasoned ground meat, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all assembled into a festive, bubbling casserole. The dish combines hearty flavors with playful garnishes like olives and herbs, resulting in a visually fun and comforting centerpiece with a gooey, golden crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles preferably no-boil or traditional
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey for hearty flavor
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese can substitute cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese preferably smoked for extra flavor
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach squeeze out excess moisture
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg adds warmth to ricotta mixture
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed spooky garnishes (olives, herbs, carved cheese) for decoration

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped spinach, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice or salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish, then layer noodles on top. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with chopped herbs or spooky olives for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, flavorful layers!