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Eyeball Pasta Bake

Eyeball Pasta Bake: A Delightfully Cheesy Family Favorite

Eyeball Pasta Bake is a wonderfully cheesy dish that surprises and delights the whole family with its fun presentation and rich flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Bake

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Eyeballs

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (for meatballs)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh mozzarella slices (or mozzarella balls, halved)
  • Black or green olives sliced

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Pasta Base

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef (or sausage), season with salt, pepper, and Italian spices, and cook until browned.
  • Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Eyeballs

  • In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Form into small, bite-sized meatballs.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large baking dish, mix cooked pasta with sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella on top.
  • Nestle the cooked meatballs on top of the pasta.

Step 4: Add the Eyeball Effect

  • Place a slice of mozzarella (or a halved mozzarella ball) on each meatball.
  • Top with a sliced olive 'pupil.'
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone’s faces light up (and maybe shiver) when they spot the 'eyeballs'!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg
Keyword baked pasta, cheesy pasta, Eyeball Pasta Bake, family favorite, Halloween recipe
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