Get ready for a spooky treat with these Cool Eyeball Meatballs! They are made with tasty ground meat, a splash of sauce, and topped with a gooey cheese “eyeball.”
These meatballs are sure to impress at any party! I always love to tell my guests that they might just get a surprise with every bite. 😄 Just grab some spaghetti and enjoy the fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground beef alone, or mix it with ground pork for more flavor. Turkey or chicken work too! They’re leaner options if you want something lighter.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are perfect, but you can substitute with crushed crackers or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. I sometimes add a bit of oats for a heartier texture!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth. If it’s not on hand, any hard cheese like pecorino or nutritional yeast (for vegan options) can be great alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch. If you’re short on time, any tomato-based sauce will do fine, even pizza sauce!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but for a stronger flavor, you can try provolone or even a cheese blend. Just ensure it melts well for that perfect gooeyness!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep your meatballs whole and sturdy, follow a few important steps:
- Make sure to mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping. This helps everything bind together.
- While shaping, keep the meatballs slightly smaller—about the size of a golf ball—so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave space between meatballs for even cooking and less risk of sticking!
By taking these steps, you’re on your way to meatball perfection! Enjoy making these fun and tasty treats!
Cool Eyeball Meatballs Feast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 slices of mozzarella cheese (circle-shaped if possible)
- 12 black olives, sliced into rounds (for the “pupils”)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the meatballs, and then they’ll bake for about 25 minutes, allowing you time to prepare toppings and sauce while they cook. Perfect for a fun meal in a flash!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to ensure your meatballs don’t stick.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. It should be evenly moist.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into equal-sized meatballs—about the size of a golf ball. Place them neatly in your prepared dish or skillet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the meatballs bake for about 20 minutes. They should be cooked through and lightly browned when done.
5. Prepare the “Eyeballs”:
As the meatballs bake, cut the mozzarella slices into circles that will fit on top of each meatball. Then slice the black olives into thin rounds for the pupils—set them aside for later!
6. Add the Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over and around the meatballs—don’t be shy about it!
7. Create the Eyeball Effect:
Top each meatball with a slice of mozzarella cheese, and then place a slice of black olive in the center of each cheese slice. This will create the spooky “eyeball” look!
8. Final Baking:
Return the dish to the oven and bake again for another 5-7 minutes. This will melt the cheese and slightly brown it, making it deliciously gooey.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the meatballs out of the oven and garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot and enjoy your spooky feast with pasta or crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Enjoy your spooky Cool Eyeball Meatballs Feast! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs. Just keep in mind that they may need a little more seasoning to boost flavor since they are less fatty than beef or pork.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little marinara sauce if they seem dry.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Once baked, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Serve with Eyeball Meatballs?
These meatballs are fantastic served over pasta or on a sub roll as a meatball sandwich. You could also pair them with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal!
