Eyeball Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs, perfect for a spooky dinner or Halloween party! Made with ground meat and shaped to look like eyeballs, these treats are sure to get some giggles.
Who knew meatballs could be so creepy and cute at the same time? I love to serve them with spaghetti and a red sauce for a fun Halloween meal. Just watch out—these eyeballs might just steal the show! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground meat: I use a mix of beef and pork for flavor and tenderness. However, for a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just remember that lean meats may result in drier meatballs, so adjust moisture accordingly.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or oatmeal. I find panko gives a better texture, making them extra crispy!
Parmesan cheese: This adds great flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a nice alternative. You could also use grated pecorino for a sharper taste, if you like.
Mozzarella balls: I prefer bocconcini for their size, but you can easily swap for cubed mozzarella or cheese sticks cut into pieces. Avoid string cheese since they won’t hold their shape as well.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. Here are some tips to get perfect, round meatballs:
- Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the meat from sticking.
- Pinch off a portion of the meat mixture and gently roll it in the palms of your hands.
- Keep them uniform in size, about golf ball-sized, so they cook evenly.
Remember, don’t pack the mixture too tightly! This will help your meatballs stay tender and juicy while cooking.
How to Make Eyeball Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce
- 6 mozzarella balls (bocconcini or small mozzarella balls)
- 6 black olives (pitted)
- Olive oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and forming the meatballs, followed by about 15-20 minutes for cooking and simmering until they are fully cooked. Perfect for a spooky celebration or a weirdly fun dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently—just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls—aim for about the size of a golf ball. You should end up with 6 evenly sized meatballs, ready to go!
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Next, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to get a nice brown color on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet at this point.
4. Simmer in Sauce:
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish or deep skillet, and then pour the marinara sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and warm.
5. Make the Eyeballs:
While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the “eyeballs.” Slice the black olives into rings for pupils. Pat the mozzarella balls dry, and gently press an olive ring onto each mozzarella ball to create an “eyeball” effect. These are sure to look fun and a bit spooky!
6. Assemble the Eyeball Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are hot and fully cooked, take them off the heat, and place one mozzarella eyeball on top of each meatball while they are still warm. This way, they’ll stick nicely!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, drizzle any remaining sauce over the assembled eyeball meatballs, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve these spooky yet delicious Eyeball Meatballs warm as an appetizer or over spaghetti for a fun Halloween-themed meal!
Enjoy your creepy culinary creation with friends and family — they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for beef or pork. Just keep in mind that it tends to be drier, so adding a bit more milk or an extra egg can help maintain moisture.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicy?
To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes, finely chopped jalapeños, or even some hot sauce into the meatball mixture. Adjust to your desired spice level for a fun twist on the classic recipe!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just thaw in the fridge before cooking and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep them moist.
