Introduction
Get ready to bewitch your taste buds this Halloween with a dish that’s both ghoulishly delightful and incredibly delicious: Spooky Eyeball Meatballs in Marinara Sauce! Perfect for a festive dinner or a spooky potluck, these savory meatballs, nestled in a rich marinara, are topped with eerie mozzarella “eyeballs” that are sure to get a gasp and a giggle. Simple yet visually stunning, this recipe will have everyone digging in. Prepare for compliments and requests for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Eyeball Meatballs: 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). For the Marinara Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste. For the Eyeball Assembly: 1 (8 oz) package small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), 1 (3.75 oz) can black olives sliced, sriracha or ketchup in a squeeze bottle for “bloodshot” veins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked. Set aside.
- Simmer Marinara: In the skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic for 1 min. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir, simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, cook 20 mins. Season.
- Combine & Assemble: Gently add cooked meatballs to simmering marinara. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Drain and slice fresh mozzarella balls in half.
- Create Spooky Effect: Place mozzarella half (cut-side down) on each meatball. Add black olive slice for pupil. Use a squeeze bottle to draw sriracha/ketchup lines for “bloodshot” veins. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
- For extra moisture and flavor, soak breadcrumbs in milk or broth before adding to the meatball mixture. You can prepare meatballs and marinara a day in advance; combine and heat just before serving, adding mozzarella and olives at the last minute for best presentation. Feel free to use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Variations & Substitutions
For vegetarian meatballs, use plant-based ground meat or a mix of chickpeas and mushrooms. Try green olives, capers, or tinted cream cheese for different pupil effects. Boost spice with extra red pepper flakes or a spicier hot sauce. Serve over spaghetti, polenta, or in slider buns for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Spooky Eyeball Meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience! Combining savory comfort with a playful, eerie twist, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of your Halloween spread. Unleash your inner culinary mad scientist and delight your guests with this unforgettable recipe. Happy haunting, and happy eating!
