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Irresistible Spooky Spaghetti Recipe with Eyeball Meatballs Easy Halloween Meal

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A fun and festive Halloween twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs featuring spooky eyeball meatballs made with mozzarella and olives. This comforting and satisfying meal is perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 20 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
  • Black olives, sliced
  • 12 oz spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, and beaten egg. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  2. Shape mixture into 1.5-inch balls, about 20 meatballs. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning gently to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer sauce gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until meatballs reach internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Stir occasionally.
  7. While meatballs cook, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  8. After meatballs are cooked, press a mini mozzarella ball onto each meatball and place a black olive slice in the center to create the pupil. Return meatballs to low heat for 2-3 minutes to warm mozzarella without melting.
  9. Serve spaghetti topped with sauce and eyeball meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Brown meatballs in batches to avoid steaming. Add mozzarella and olive pupils last to prevent melting. Baking meatballs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes is a less hands-on alternative to frying. Adjust breadcrumbs or milk if mixture is too wet or dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween recipe, spooky spaghetti, eyeball meatballs, Halloween dinner, kid-friendly, easy spaghetti, meatballs recipe, festive meal

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