Halloween Brain Pasta Bolognese (Print Version)

Spaghetti shaped into brain mounds topped with savory Bolognese sauce for a festive Halloween main.

# Components:

→ Meat Sauce

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, finely diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
06 - 1.1 lb ground beef
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
13 - 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
14 - 1 teaspoon sugar
15 - 1 bay leaf

→ Brain Pasta

16 - 14 oz spaghetti
17 - Red or pink food coloring (optional)
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish

19 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
20 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
02 - Add the ground beef to the saucepan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
04 - Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, sugar, and the bay leaf into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
05 - Concurrently, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. For a more striking visual, you may add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the boiling water.
06 - Drain the cooked spaghetti and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the strands from adhering to one another.
07 - On each serving plate, carefully twist a portion of the spaghetti to form a mound. Shape this mound to resemble a brain, incorporating folds and channels for a realistic appearance.
08 - Generously spoon the prepared Bolognese sauce over the shaped spaghetti mounds. Ensure the sauce cascades into the crevices of the 'brain'.
09 - If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the Halloween 'Brain' Pasta Bolognese immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Requires simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
  • Creates a memorable centerpiece for Halloween dinner parties
  • Combines familiar flavors kids love with a fun presentation
  • Ready in just one hour from start to finish
02 -
  • The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated
  • Using quality canned tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor
  • Letting the sauce rest for 10 minutes before serving intensifies flavors
  • Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce creates silkier texture
03 -
  • Add depth to your sauce with a splash of red wine before adding tomatoes
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg for subtle warmth that complements the meat
  • For extra visual effect, use kitchen tweezers to precisely place fresh herbs

Return