Description
This Hauntingly Spicy Baked Ghostly Lasagna combines layers of spicy Italian sausage, bold marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Decorated with black olive ‘eyes’ and bell pepper ‘ghostly mouths,’ it’s a festive and flavorful dish perfect for Halloween or any occasion when you crave a spicy, comforting lasagna.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 9 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bottles (24 ounces each) spicy marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Decorations
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into rings
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced onion, and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the spicy marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce.
- Top Layer: Finish with the last 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Decorate: Arrange black olive slices as eyes and bell pepper rings as ghostly mouths on top for a festive look.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to meld the flavors and melt the cheeses thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use mild marinara sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles during boiling—they should be firm to hold shape during baking.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor if available.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
