Eyeball Meatballs are a fun and spooky twist on traditional meatballs! Made from ground meat and spices, these balls are shaped to look like creepy eyeballs with a slice of olive for the pupil.
These are perfect for Halloween parties or a silly family dinner! I love serving them with spaghetti or just as a snack while watching a movie. Can’t resist a little monster theme for dinner! 👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Traditional for meatballs, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute like lentils or tofu for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. I often prefer panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor. You can substitute with pecorino, nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or even leave it out entirely if you’re dairy-free.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade is best, but jarred sauces are super convenient! For a twist, add some chili flakes for heat or a splash of red wine for depth.
Olives: Black olives work great for the eyeball pupils. If you’re not a fan, you can use capers or even tiny pepperonis for a different aesthetic.
How Do You Shape Perfect Eyeball Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your hands wet to prevent sticking when forming the meatballs.
- Use about 1/4 cup of mixture for each meatball. Roll it gently between your palms until smooth.
- Ensure they’re uniformly sized for even cooking. They should be slightly larger than a golf ball!
After baking, they should hold their shape nicely, making it easy to add the mozzarella and olives to create those spooky eyeballs!
Eyeball Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (cut into circles, about 1.5 inch diameter)
- 6 black olives (sliced for the pupils)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and fun dish that serves up nicely for a spooky meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, turn on your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you’re done preparing your ingredients.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! You’ll want them to be tender and juicy.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized meatballs. Aim for a size just a bit larger than a golf ball. Place them in a greased baking dish to prepare them for the oven.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Carefully take the meatballs out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each meatball. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep them moist!
6. Add Cheese and Olives:
Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball. Then, press a slice of black olive into the center of each cheese piece, resembling the “pupil” of an eyeball.
7. Final Bake:
Put the meatballs back in the oven for an extra 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Just enough time to make it gooey and delicious!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the meatballs from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot over pasta or with extra marinara on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your creepy and tasty Eyeball Meatballs! They are sure to be a hit at any spooky gathering or Halloween feast!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to add the marinara sauce and cheese right before you’re ready to bake them.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They also freeze well, so you can keep them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Use Different Cheese for the Eyeballs?
Definitely! You can swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Just make sure it’s sliceable so you can create that classic eyeball look!
