A fun and festive pasta bake perfect for Halloween or any family gathering.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your dish.
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, half of the ground beef, 3/4 cup of the pizza sauce, garlic powder, egg, and basil. Mix well.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Spoon the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate.
Press the mixture lightly to create an even surface.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface for a gooey topping.
Combine the remaining ground beef with the reserved 1/4 cup of pizza sauce. Use this mixture to create a jack-o'-lantern face on top of the cheese.
Get creative with the design to make it festive.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep an eye on the dish to prevent over-browning.
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Allowing it to rest helps the flavors meld together.
Serve warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
A fresh salad adds a nice contrast to the rich pasta bake.
