Description

Spaghetti and Eyeballs combines classic Italian flavors with a fun Halloween twist. Juicy meatballs “stare” from your plate thanks to mozzarella and olive eyes—creepy, delicious, and perfect for festive family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds lean ground beef
½ cup onion, grated
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups spaghetti sauce
8 green olives with pimento
Mozzarella cheese slices
Black olives
Spaghetti noodles

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, milk, salt, oregano, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough.
Shape the eyeballs:
Roll the mixture into about 16–18 evenly sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Simmer in sauce:
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large skillet or saucepan with spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat to infuse flavor and keep them tender.
Cook the spaghetti:
While the meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Create the “eyeballs”:
Cut small circles of mozzarella using a round cutter or the rim of a small bottle cap. Slice black olives into thin rounds for pupils, or use green olives with pimentos for extra creepy eyes. Place a mozzarella “iris” and an olive “pupil” on each meatball while still warm, so the cheese melts slightly and adheres.
Assemble and serve:
Place a mound of spaghetti on each plate, spoon sauce over the top, and arrange a few “eyeball” meatballs on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the spooky fun!

Notes

Active prep: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
For extra tender meatballs, don’t pack them too tightly. You can pan-fry instead of baking if you prefer a more browned exterior. If you want a brighter tomato flavor, stir a tablespoon of tomato paste into your sauce as it simmers.