These fun Eyeball Meatballs are a spooky twist on a classic dish! Made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and topped with a tasty mozzarella cheese “eyeball” for a creepy look. They’re perfect for Halloween!
Making these meatballs is a blast! I like to get my friends involved, and we have a blast assembling them. Who knew dinner could be so much fun? Just don’t eat them in the dark! 👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for your meatballs, giving them a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can even try a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs hold the meatballs together. If you have gluten-free needs, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. I also like using panko for an extra light texture!
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: They give the eyeball effect! If you’re in a pinch, shredded mozzarella can work; just shape it into small balls. For different flavors, try using goat cheese or feta. They offer a nice twist!
Black Olives: They serve as the “pupil” for the eyeballs. If olives aren’t your thing, you could use cherry tomatoes cut in half or even peppercorns for a different look.
How Do You Make the Meatballs Perfectly Juicy?
The key to juicy meatballs is not overmixing the meat. Mix the ingredients until just combined; this helps keep them tender. Also, browning them lightly in the skillet adds flavor while keeping the inside moist.
- Heat oil in the skillet, and ensure the pan isn’t overcrowded when browning.
- Cook each side until golden brown before transferring to the baking dish.
- Bake until fully cooked, but be careful not to overdo it! A meat thermometer should read 160°F (70°C) at the center.
Enjoy the process and have fun with the eyeball look; it’s a spooky dish that kids love!
Eyeball Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for simmering and serving)
- For the Eyeballs:
- 6 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 6 black olives, sliced into rounds (for the “pupil”)
- For Cooking:
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spooky dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes mixing and shaping the meatballs, and about 10 minutes to get them browned and baked to perfection. A quick and fun dish to whip up for Halloween!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when it’s time to bake the meatballs.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. It’s key not to overmix—it helps keep the meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to make them the same size so they cook evenly.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each. Use a pair of tongs to turn them gently. Remove the meatballs from the skillet when they are nicely browned.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over top them. Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
6. Assemble the Eyeballs:
Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Place half a mozzarella ball on top of each meatball. Then, take a sliced black olive and place it in the center of the mozzarella to create your creepy eyeball effect!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley around the plate for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your spooky Eyeball Meatballs with friends and family!
These meatballs might look creepy, but trust me—they taste delicious! A perfect dish for Halloween or any fun dinner gathering. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative if you’re looking to reduce fat content. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so consider adding a little more moisture, like an extra tablespoon of marinara sauce mixed into the meat.
How Can I Store Leftover Eyeball Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat up!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, ideally within 24 hours. Just remember not to add the mozzarella and olives until after baking for the best presentation!
What Can I Serve with Eyeball Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti or over rice to soak up the marinara sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve them with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance out the meal!
