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40 Halloween Dinner Ideas for a Meal That's Spooky and Delicious

Because nothing is scarier than an empty stomach!

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baked macaroni and cheese with ground beef and sides for garnishing
C.W. Newell

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It's easy to get wrapped up in all the spooky fun during Halloween season, from trick-or-treating to costume parties and haunted hayrides. With so many Halloween activities to enjoy (and so much candy lurking around), it's tempting to skip a real dinner—but there's nothing scarier than a hungry family! Before you head out for a night of frights, check out this collection of delicious Halloween dinner ideas. Whip up something comforting like homemade goulash, dig into seasonal favorites like pumpkin mac and cheese, or surprise your crew with on-theme Halloween foods like mummy-wrapped hot dogs.

Don't worry, these Halloween dinner recipes aren't scary to prepare and serve. They're quick, easy, and they're even perfect for a Halloween potluck with friends. For instance, feeding a crowd of ghosts and goblins is easy when you're armed with the deviled eggs and sheet pan pizza. You'll also find tons of Halloween appetizers, comforting soups, and fall dinner ideas that simply make you feel cozy on a chilly October night. You can serve up your Halloween dinner before or after trick-or-treating, but whatever you do, don't forget to dress up your table with a Halloween centerpiece—the scarier, the better!

1

Stuffed Butternut Squash

stuffed butternut squash halloween dinner
C.W. Newell

Forget pumpkin! This stuffed butternut squash is another way to get in the seasonal spirit. The orange squash is filled with a hearty and savory mixture of rice, sausage, veggies, and cheese.

Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.

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2

Baked Spaghetti

baked spaghetti halloween dinner
Ryan Liebe

You can't go wrong with a bubbling baked pasta that's loaded with beef. This easy dish will feed a crowd of zombies.

Get Ree's Baked Spaghetti recipe.

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3

Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs

pork apple sage meatballs halloween dinner
Ryan Liebe

These seasonal meatballs just scream: "fall!" Plus, they're served up on a fluffy pile of mashed sweet potatoes for even more Halloween color and flavor.

Get Ree's Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs recipe.

4

Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi

creamy one pot sausage gnocchi halloween dinner
Stacy Allen

Making this comforting gnocchi recipe is anything but scary. In fact, you won't even need to spend a ton of time doing this dishes since it's all made in one pot!

Get the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe.

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5

Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili

slow cooker chipotle beef chili halloween dinner
Ryan Liebe

You can spend more time putting the finishing touches on your Halloween costume and less time fussing in the kitchen thanks to this slow cooker recipe. The handy appliance will do most of the work for you!

Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

6

Mummy Hot Dogs

mummy hot dogs halloween dinner
Danielle Daly

These mummy dogs aren't just fun to look at—they're delicious, too! Maybe it's the melty cheese or flaky crescent roll dough, but we just can't get enough.

Get the Mummy Hot Dogs recipe.

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7

One-Pot French Onion Pasta

one pot french onion pasta halloween dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Balance out all that candy with a filling pasta dish. This cozy recipe is loaded with caramelized onions and lots of melty cheese. It's like comfort food in a pot.

Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.

8

Beef and Noodles

beef and noodles halloween dinner
Will Dickey

Made with hearty beef, mushrooms, onions, and thick egg noodles—this stew will warm you right up on even the chilliest night of trick-or-treating. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream and parsley for the perfect finishing touch.

Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.

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9

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

pumpkin mac and cheese halloween dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Look no further for your new fall favorite! A creamy pumpkin sauce is the key to making this ooey gooey mac and cheese. Sprinkle with garlic butter breadcrumbs and crispy sage leaves for topping.

Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.

10

Stuffed Acorn Squash

stuffed acorn squash halloween dinner
Will Dickey

Seasonal acorn squash acts as individual, edible bowls for this hearty fall dinner. Each one is filled with rice, sausage, and cheese to keep everyone full, no matter the spooky activities you have in store.

Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

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11

Halloween Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs halloween dinner
Hector Manuel Sanchez

It's not just the olive "spiders" that make these deviled eggs creepy. The egg whites are also dyed with black tea for a beautiful crackled web look.

Get the Halloween Deviled Eggs recipe.

12

Pull-Apart Buffalo Chicken Sliders

pull apart buffalo chicken sliders halloween dinner
Danielle Daly

Now, here's a hearty Halloween meal. Buffalo chicken fans will love this variation in slider form. It has all that spicy buffalo flavor, plus melty cheese, layered on toasted buns.

Get Ree's Pull-Apart Buffalo Chicken Sliders recipe.

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13

Chili Mac and Cheese

halloween dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

When chili and mac and cheese come together, you pretty much win Halloween. It's hearty enough to satisfy everyone before they dive into their candy stash. And honestly, who doesn't want chili combined with creamy mac and cheese?

Get Ree's Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.

14

French Bread Pizza

halloween dinner ideas
Caitlin Bensel

Instead of waiting on delivery during the Halloween rush, throw together this French bread pizza. It's fast, easy, and you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time sneaking treats out of the candy bowl.

Get Ree's French Bread Pizza recipe.

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15

Beef Noodle Casserole

halloween dinner ideas
Will Dickey

This casserole is exactly what you want after a night running from door to door—or, let's face it, after chasing your kids around the neighborhood. Warm noodles, hearty beef, and a cozy vibe that's perfect for a chilly fall night!

Get Ree's Beef Noodle Casserole recipe.

SHOP BAKING DISHES

16

Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup

halloween dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

This soup has "October" written all over it. It's loaded with sausage and veggies, so it's hearty but still feels like you're making good decisions...even if your kids are eating Snickers bars for dinner.

Get Ree's Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup recipe.

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17

Hamburger Casserole

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Hamburger casserole isn't fancy, but that's exactly why everyone loves it. It's quick, cozy, and something your kids will gladly sit down to, even with Halloween candy waiting nearby.

Get Ree's Hamburger Casserole recipe.

18

Sheet Pan Pizza

sheet pan pizza halloween dinner
Caitlin Bensel

Instead of ordering in a pie, make your own pizza instead! When you use a sheet pan, the pizza comes out thin, crisp, and big enough for a crowd.

Get the Sheet Pan Pizza recipe.

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19

Butternut Squash Lasagna

butternut squash lasagna halloween dinner
Caitlin Bensel

You can't go wrong with a cozy lasagna in October, especially when it's loaded with fall flavors from butternut squash and hearty Italian sausage. Serve it up with a side salad or garlic bread to make dinner complete.

Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.

20

Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust

chicken pot pie with cheddar crust halloween dinner
David Malosh

On a chilly October night, this pot pie will warm you right up! Adding grated cheddar cheese is the trick you never knew you needed—and guests will have the surprise of a lifetime when it comes oozing out.

Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Crust recipe.

SHOP PIE DISHES

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baked macaroni and cheese with ground beef and sides for garnishing
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