11 Thirty-Minute Halloween Dinners For Weeknight Parties
Creepy Crawly Spaghetti
Creepy Crawly Spaghetti is a fun, Halloween-themed dish that’s sure to delight and frighten your guests at any spooky gathering. This pasta dish features long strands of spaghetti, resembling creepy crawly spiders, and is served with a rich and savory tomato sauce. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this playful take on a classic meal, combining the thrill of Halloween with delicious flavors!
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set aside; drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Shape the Meatballs: While the sauce simmers, if using homemade meatballs, shape the ground meat mixture into small balls (about one inch in diameter) and cook them in the skillet until browned and cooked through for about 8-10 minutes.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and gently toss it together so the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Create Crawling Spiders: For a creepy effect, arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the spaghetti and use the sliced black olives to create eyes on the meatballs, giving them a spooky spider appearance.
Serve: Serve the Creepy Crawly Spaghetti on plates with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Add extra black olives around the dish for an added creepy effect.
Enjoy this delightful and spooky dish at your Halloween dinner!
Pumpkin Patch Quesadillas
Pumpkin Patch Quesadillas are a delightful Halloween-themed dish that combines the savory flavor of cheese with the seasonal taste of pumpkin. These cheesy quesadillas are perfect for a spooky gathering, and their cute pumpkin shape will make them a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping, and enjoy a festive twist on a classic meal!
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Heat the Tortillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Lay one flour tortilla in the skillet and allow it to heat for about 30 seconds.
Add the Filling: Spread a generous amount of the pumpkin-cheese mixture over one half of the tortilla. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Cook the Quesadilla: Cook the folded quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Remove and Shape: Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out pumpkin shapes from the quesadilla for a fun presentation.
Add Decorative Touches: Use black olive slices to create eyes and a mouth on each pumpkin-shaped quesadilla to give them a spooky look.
Serve: Serve the Pumpkin Patch Quesadillas warm with sour cream and your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy a festive and flavorful Halloween treat!
Mummy Meatball Subs
Mummy Meatball Subs are a fun Halloween-inspired twist on the classic meatball sandwich. These spooky subs feature meatballs wrapped in dough to resemble mummies, complete with spooky eyes made from cheese. They’re perfect for a ghoulish gathering and will delight both kids and adults alike! Serve them at your Halloween party for a treat that’s both delicious and delightfully whimsical.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color.
Warm the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the warm marinara sauce and stir to coat.
Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough and cut it into strips, about 1/2 inch wide. You will need enough strips to wrap around each meatball.
Wrap the Meatballs: Take a meatball from the sauce and wrap the dough strips around it, leaving a small opening for the “eyes,” creating a mummy effect. Make sure that the strips overlap slightly so the meatball is mostly covered.
Place on Baking Sheet: Transfer the wrapped meatballs back to the baking sheet. Repeat until all meatballs are wrapped.
Add Cheese Eyes: Cut the string cheese into small pieces to create eyes and place them on the exposed part of the meatball, then place a small olive slice on top of each cheese piece.
Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
Assemble the Subs: Once baked, remove the mummy meatballs from the oven and assemble them in sub rolls. Add extra marinara sauce if desired.
Serve: Serve the Mummy Meatball Subs warm and enjoy a spooky, delicious Halloween treat!
Witch’s Cauldron Chili
Witch’s Cauldron Chili is a hearty and spooky dish perfect for celebrating Halloween! Packed with beans, ground meat, and a medley of spices, this chili is both delicious and satisfying. Serve it in a cauldron or a spooky bowl for a fun presentation that will delight guests at your Halloween gathering.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Spices: Once the meat is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors will develop.
Taste and Adjust: After the chili has simmered, taste it and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls or a large cauldron for a fun Halloween presentation. Top with shredded cheese, and optional sour cream, and garnish with sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for added crunch.
Enjoy your Witch’s Cauldron Chili at your Halloween celebration!
Ghostly Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Ghostly Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is a delightfully festive meal that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween. This whimsical twist on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup features ghost-shaped sandwiches that are not only fun to serve but also deliciously comforting. It’s a fantastic option for a cozy dinner or to warm up between trick-or-treating.
Prepare the Tomato Soup: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Puree and Broth: Pour in the canned tomato puree and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Prepare the Ghostly Grilled Cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place half of the slices butter-side down on the skillet.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each piece of bread in the skillet, then top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Cook the Sandwiches: Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly.
Cut and Shape the Sandwiches: Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into ghost shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, simply cut them into traditional triangles or squares.
Serve: Ladle the warm tomato soup into bowls and serve with the ghostly grilled cheese sandwiches on the side. Garnish the soup with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy this spooktacular Halloween dinner!
Spooky Stuffed Peppers
Spooky Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive dish perfect for Halloween gatherings or themed dinners. These vibrant, bell pepper ‘jack-o’-lanterns are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, making them not only visually appealing but also satisfying. This dish combines creativity and comfort into one delicious meal that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow space for the filling. Using a knife or a small paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the front of the peppers to give them a spooky look.
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine all flavors.
Stuff the Peppers: Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into each hollowed-out pepper, packing it in gently but firmly. Fill each pepper to the top.
Add Cheese and Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Top each pepper with shredded cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve your Spooky Stuffed Peppers warm. Enjoy the festive flavors and fun presentation!
Monster Tacos
Monster Tacos are a creative and playful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for any Halloween feast. These spooky delights are made with seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and eerie toppings that resemble monster faces, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or looking for a fun family dinner, Monster Tacos will certainly make your meal memorable.
Ingredients
Quantity
Ground beef or turkey
1 pound
Taco seasoning
1 packet
Taco shells
12 small or medium
Lettuce, shredded
1 cup
Tomatoes, diced
1 medium
Shredded cheese
1 cup
Black olives, sliced
1 can (about 15 oz)
Sour cream
1 cup
Avocado, sliced
1 medium
Tortilla chips
For serving
Optional: additional toppings (jalapeños, salsa)
As desired
Cooking Steps Instructions:
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ascertain even browning. Drain any excess grease.
Season the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, add the taco seasoning to the skillet along with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Stir well to combine, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Taco Shells: While the meat is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Tacos: Once the taco shells are warmed, begin assembling your Monster Tacos. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned meat into each taco shell.
Add Toppings: Next, layer on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Get creative by using black olives as “eyes” and sour cream as “fangs” to create a monster face. You can also add slices of avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serve with Chips: Arrange the assembled Monster Tacos on a platter and serve with tortilla chips on the side. You can also set out additional toppings such as jalapeños or salsa for guests to customize their tacos.
Enjoy: Encourage everyone to dig into their Monster Tacos and enjoy this fun and festive meal! Don’t forget to take some spooky photos of your creations for memories.
Batty Black Bean Soup
Batty Black Bean Soup is a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly Halloween evening. This spooky soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutritious black beans, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner that will satisfy both adults and kids alike. Garnish it with some eerie decorations to make it festive for the season!
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Add Black Beans and Broth: Add the drained black beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunky. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
Finish with Lime Juice: Once the soup has cooked and reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat and stir in the lime juice. This adds a nice brightness to the flavor.
Serve: Ladle the Batty Black Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sour cream, tortilla chips, or chopped cilantro to add that extra festive touch.
Enjoy: Gather around the table and enjoy your spooky soup with family or friends. Don’t forget to take some fun Halloween-themed photos of your delicious creation!
Eerie Eggplant Parmesan
Eerie Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian recipe that adds a spooky spin perfect for Halloween. This dish features layers of breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and eerie presentation, it’s a fantastic dish to serve at any Halloween gathering.
Prepare the Eggplant: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle the salt over the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 30 minutes, pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
Bread the Eggplant: In a shallow dish, place the bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. In another bowl, pour the olive oil. Dip each eggplant slice into the olive oil, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, press it into the bread crumbs to cover both sides. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Eggplant: Once all the slices are breaded, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Layer the Ingredients: While the eggplant is baking, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Once the eggplant is done, layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Add half of the remaining marinara sauce, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining eggplant slices on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring the top is generously covered for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Bake the Parmesan: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled Eerie Eggplant Parmesan for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this spooky and savory dish with your family and friends!
Cauldron Chicken Stir-Fry
Cauldron Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce, making it a fantastic and easy option for a Halloween dinner. The whimsical presentation and the mix of textures create a hearty meal that can be served in a thematic cauldron for a fun and festive touch.
Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This will help thicken the sauce and give the chicken a crisp texture when cooked.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to guarantee it sears properly.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the heated oil. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the bell peppers, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for an additional 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the minced ginger and soy sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together to combine.
Simmer the Stir-Fry: Reduce the heat slightly and let the stir-fry simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve and Garnish: Once the stir-fry is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve the Cauldron Chicken Stir-Fry in a large bowl or thematic cauldron. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for an added crunch and garnish.
Enjoy your festive and flavorful dish that is sure to bring a touch of Halloween magic to your dinner table!
Haunted Harvest Salad
Haunted Harvest Salad is a delightful and festive fall dish that brings together a colorful array of seasonal produce, nuts, and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for Halloween gatherings. This salad combines crunchy textures and bold flavors, with spooky accents such as pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries to evoke the spirit of the season.
Prepare the Pumpkin: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut a small pumpkin into cubes, about 1-inch in size. Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed salad greens as the base. Layer on the roasted pumpkin cubes, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, candied pecans, and thinly sliced red onion.
Add Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds on top of the salad for added crunch and a seasonal touch.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, making sure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Serve: Transfer the Haunted Harvest Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For a spooky presentation, you can decorate with additional pumpkin seeds or cranberries on top. Enjoy this vibrant and festive salad alongside your Halloween dinner!
