Plate of Halloween Spaghetti with spooky decorations and toppings

Halloween Spaghetti Recipe

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why make this recipe

Halloween is the perfect time for fun, spooky treats, and this Halloween Spaghetti recipe definitely fits the bill! The combination of squid ink pasta and meatballs made to look like eyeballs is sure to capture the attention of both kids and adults. It’s a creative twist on traditional spaghetti that brings a playful spirit to any Halloween gathering. Plus, it’s delicious and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy hosts.

how to make Halloween Spaghetti

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for browning meatballs)
  • 1 container (8 oz or 225g) Small Mozzarella Balls (Perline or Ciliegine)
  • 1 small can (approx. 2.25 oz or 64g) Sliced Black Olives
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sauce)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 large can (28 oz or 794g) Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 small can (6 oz or 170g) Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) Squid Ink Spaghetti or Fettuccine
  • Salt for boiling water

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should give you around 16-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
  4. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate. Do not wipe out the pot; the brown bits left behind enrich the sauce.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up brown bits from the pot.
  6. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
  8. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add oregano, basil, and optional sugar. Stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.
  9. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  10. About 15-20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the squid ink spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti without rinsing.
  11. While the pasta cooks, make the "eyeballs." Press half a sliced black olive into each mozzarella ball to create pupils.
  12. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and meatballs, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.
  13. Place the mozzarella and olive "eyeballs" onto each meatball just before serving, allowing the heat to soften the cheese slightly.
  14. Serve your Halloween Spaghetti immediately, tricking your guests into enjoying this spooky meal!

how to serve Halloween Spaghetti

Halloween Spaghetti can be served in large bowls or on a platter for everyone to share. To add to the spooky theme, consider decorating your table with Halloween decor, like cobwebs, small pumpkins, or themed plates. Make sure to have some extra garlic bread or a green salad on the side for a complete meal.

how to store Halloween Spaghetti

To store any leftovers, let the spaghetti cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, warm the spaghetti in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

tips to make Halloween Spaghetti

  • Mix the meatball ingredients gently; overworking can make them tough.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • If you can’t find squid ink pasta, regular spaghetti or fettuccine can work, though it won’t have the same spooky appearance.
  • Adding a little more salt to the boiling water is essential for flavorful pasta.
  • Reserve some of the pasta water to help thin the sauce if needed after combining.

variation

You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based meat substitutes or creating meatballs with lentils and mushrooms.

FAQs

Can I make Halloween Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

Is squid ink pasta safe to eat?
Yes, squid ink is perfectly safe and is often used in Italian cuisine. It adds a unique flavor and color to the dish.

What if I can’t find squid ink spaghetti?
If squid ink spaghetti isn’t available, you can use whole wheat or regular spaghetti as an alternative, though it won’t have the same dramatic effect.

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