These spooky eyeball meatballs are a fun twist on dinner! Made with juicy ground meat and gooey cheese, they look creepy but taste amazing!
I love serving these on Halloween or at a themed party. Everyone gets a kick out of them, and I can’t help but giggle when they take a bite! 👀
They’re super easy to make, just roll the meat into balls, add cheese for the eyeballs, and bake. Dinner has never been so entertaining!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to mix ground beef and pork for added flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Breadcrumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs in this recipe, but if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still hold the meatballs together nicely!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice savory touch. If you don’t have it, pecorino cheese is a great alternative. For dairy-free options, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor too.
Olives: Black olives give the spooky eyeball look, but green olives or even sliced cherry tomatoes can create a fun effect too.
How Do You Make Sure Your Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Keeping meatballs juicy can be a challenge, but it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mix of meats, like beef and pork. This adds more flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix your meat mixture! Just combine until everything is blended—overworking can lead to tough meatballs.
- Including cheese inside helps to keep the meatballs moist during baking!
- Make sure not to skip the baking part; cook them at the right temperature (400°F) so they brown nicely but remain juicy inside.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, juicy meatballs that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!
Cool Eyeball Meatballs Feast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melting inside the meatballs)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 black olives (pitted)
- 8 small mozzarella balls (like bocconcini or mozzarella pearls)
- 1 tsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This deliciously spooky dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a fun, festive feast that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix it! This will keep your meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small mozzarella ball in the center of the flattened meat, and then fold the meat over the cheese. Roll it into a smooth ball to fully enclose the cheese. Repeat this step until all the meat mixture is used up!
4. Arrange and Sauce:
Now, place your meatballs in the greased baking dish or skillet. Once they’re all lined up, spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatballs. This will add extra flavor!
5. Create the Eyeballs:
Slice the black olives into rounds. For each meatball, place a mozzarella pearl on top, then top it with an olive slice to look like an eyeball. How fun is that?
6. Bake:
Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the cheese inside is nice and melted. Keep an eye on them!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve your Cool Eyeball Meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a fun and festive meal!
Enjoy your Cool Eyeball Meatballs Feast—delicious and delightfully eerie! 🎃👀
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that these meats can be drier, so be sure not to overbake them.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and assemble them in the pan without baking. Cover and refrigerate them for up to a day ahead. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready!
What If I Don’t Have Black Olives?
If you don’t have black olives, you can use green olives, or even sliced cherry tomatoes for a fun and different “eyeball” effect. Get creative!