Description
This Halloween Pasta Recipe features striking squid ink pasta topped with a savory beef ragu, finished with mozzarella ‘eyeballs’ and black olive slices for a spooky and delicious meal perfect for a festive dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb squid ink pasta
Beef Ragu
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 Tablespoon Italian herb seasoning mix
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Toppings
- 4 ounces Cielegine Mozzarella (1/3 ounce “Cherry sized” balls)
- 2 ounces sliced black olives
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)
Instructions
- Make the beef ragu: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 Tablespoon of oil. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan, then stir in the dried minced onion and Italian seasoning mix. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the squid ink pasta according to package directions, usually boiling in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a large bowl. Toss with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the dish: Divide the squid ink pasta evenly onto serving plates. Spoon the beef ragu generously over the pasta. Slice the mozzarella balls lengthwise into thin circular slices to resemble eyeballs. Arrange a few mozzarella slices on top of the ragu, then place sliced black olives in the center of each mozzarella slice to create spooky ‘eyeballs.’ Serve immediately for best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality squid ink pasta for the best flavor and striking black color.
- For a spicier ragu, add red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.
- If mozzarella balls are unavailable, use small mozzarella pearls or cut fresh mozzarella into small sections.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Serve immediately as squid ink pasta can stick together if left too long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
