Description
Celebrate Halloween with this spooky and delicious Halloween Squid Ink Spaghetti Worms with Bolognese recipe. Featuring dark, squid ink-infused spaghetti that looks like eerie worms paired with a rich, savory beef Bolognese sauce, this dish is perfect for parties and family gatherings alike. The combination of tender ground beef, crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, and subtle hints of Parmesan makes for a comforting and visually striking meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 1 lb squid ink spaghetti
Bolognese Sauce
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp sugar (or more to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squid ink spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned thoroughly and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauce Components: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then add the bay leaves and sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Bolognese: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet partially, and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated for added richness and flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked squid ink spaghetti with the Bolognese sauce, making sure the noodles are well coated. Serve the spooky ‘worms’ hot in plates or cups, perfect for a Halloween party setting.
Notes
- This Halloween Squid Ink Spaghetti Worms with Bolognese is a perfect party food to celebrate Halloween.
- Can be served in cups or plates, making it versatile for gatherings.
- Appealing and fun for both kids and adults, adding a spooky twist to a classic dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or mushrooms.
- Adjust sugar to balance acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small serving (approximately 1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
