How to Make "Eyeball" Meatballs

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

If you're looking for a savory take on a Halloween dinner, try this eyeball meatballs recipe. Meatballs are topped with cheese and sliced olives to create a wonderfully spooky main dish. Feel free to use ground beef, chicken or ground turkey, depending on your preference.

Advertisement

This is one of our favorite Halloween recipes, so read on to make these meatball eyeballs!

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Shopping List:

  • 1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 stick string cheese
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • Sliced black olives
  • Olive oil
Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Make the Pasta Dish

1. Cook the spaghetti

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package's directions. Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Advertisement

2. Beat the egg

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg.

Advertisement

3. Combine meatball ingredients

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, beaten egg, breadcrumbs and spices. You can use Italian seasoning as a replacement for the spices if needed.

Advertisement

Advertisement

4. Shape the meatballs

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil heats up, form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Add to the skillet.

Advertisement

Tip

You'll likely need to cook the meatballs in batches.

5. Brown the meatballs

Cook the meatballs until brown, about three minutes on each side. The meatballs won't be fully cooked at this point; you'll finish cooking them in the oven.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Prepare the "Eyeball" Meatballs

1. Bake the meatballs with pasta sauce

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

In a baking dish, combine the marinara sauce and meatballs. Toss the meatballs until coated, then bake for five to eight minutes in the oven.

Advertisement

Advertisement

2. Cut the string cheese

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

While the meatballs are baking, slice the string cheese. You can also use mozzarella slices.

Advertisement

3. Add string cheese to the meatballs

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Add a slice of string cheese to each meatball. Return to the oven for another three to five minutes, or until the cheese melts and spreads slightly.

Advertisement

Tip

The cheese might take more or less time to melt, depending on the brand. Start checking the cheese after a minute or so.

4. Add sliced black olives

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Remove the meatballs from the oven. Add black olive slices on top of each meatball to create your eyeballs. You can use green olives for an extra spooky look.

Serve Up Your Eyeball Meatballs

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Serve the meatballs and sauce on top of the spaghetti. Bring this horrifically delicious dish to your next Halloween party. You'll earn shrieks of delight from all your guests as they see, for the first time, the fragrant eyeball meatballs staring back at them.

Advertisement