Ghostly Lasagna is not just spooky; it’s delicious! Layered with cheesy goodness, this dish features creamy ricotta and savory marinara that make it a comforting favorite.
It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween or any day you need a treat! I love serving it with a side salad—adds a bit of health to my ghostly indulgence! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: You can use regular or no-boil noodles. I’ve often used no-boil for the convenience; they soak up flavors nicely without needing to pre-cook!
Marinara Sauce: A store-bought sauce works great, but homemade adds a personal touch! Feel free to spice it up with extra herbs or chili flakes if you love a kick.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a healthier option, consider ground turkey or skip the meat altogether for a veggie version. You can always add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the layers!
Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella give creaminess, but feel free to substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option. I really enjoy mixing in some ricotta with herbs for extra flavor!
Ghost Shapes: If you don’t have ricotta or cream cheese, you can use whipped cream or even yogurt to create the ghostly designs. It all depends on your preference and the flavor you want!
How Do You Make Ghost Shapes for the Lasagna?
Creating ghost shapes adds a fun touch to this lasagna! Here’s how to ensure your ghosts turn out just right:
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe the ricotta or cream cheese on a parchment-lined tray into ghost shapes.
- Make sure the mixture is soft enough to pipe but not too runny. It should hold its shape well.
- Gently use a spoon or spatula to shape them into ghostly figures once they are piped.
- Add black peppercorns or cloves for eyes and buttons before they go into the fridge to chill.
Position the ghosts on the hot lasagna after baking—this way, they’ll slightly soften and stick, creating an adorable spooky effect!
Ghostly Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a meat version)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Ghost Shapes:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or a dollop of thick cream cheese or whipped cream cheese, softened enough to pipe
- Black peppercorns or cloves for ghost eyes and buttons
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghostly Lasagna takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 40 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll spend about 55 minutes to get this fun dish on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Noodles:
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, now’s the time to cook them! Boil according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Sauté and Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant — about 1 minute. If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it now and cook until nicely browned. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your lasagna from being too greasy.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Don’t forget to taste! Season with salt and pepper as you like, then remove from heat.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix very well until everything is nicely blended.
6. Start Assembling the Lasagna:
On the bottom of your greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to avoid sticking. Then, layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mix over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and top with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. The layers should be: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and cheese—all three times!
8. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the assembled lasagna loosely with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Yum!
9. Create the Ghost Shapes:
While the lasagna bakes, let’s get crafty! Prepare some ghost decorations: pipe or dollop ghost-shaped figures using the remaining ricotta or softened cream cheese on a parchment-lined tray. You can gently shape them with a spoon, making them look extra spooky!
10. Add the Spooky Details:
To give your ghosts some personality, place black peppercorns or cloves as eyes and buttons before they go into the fridge to chill.
11. Finish and Serve:
Once the lasagna is finished baking, carefully place your ghost shapes on the top of the dish while it’s still warm. This helps them stick! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley around the ghosts for a pop of color. Serve it warm, and enjoy every spooky bite!
This fun twist on classic lasagna brings a spooky, creamy charm to your table — perfect for Halloween gatherings or anytime you want to delight with a little ghostly fun!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles are a great option. Just layer them directly without pre-cooking. They’ll absorb moisture from the sauce as the lasagna bakes!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Ghostly Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef or sausage and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can sauté the veggies along with the garlic for extra flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and a bit of milk to reach a similar texture. Just ensure it’s well blended with seasonings for the best flavor!