These fun eyeball meatballs are perfect for a spooky dinner! Made with ground beef, spices, and topped with gooey cheese, they look a bit creepy but taste delicious.
It’s hard not to giggle when serving these to friends or family. I always let my kids help roll them, and they love adding the “eyeball” toppings. Dinner has never been so amusing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the meatballs, providing flavor and texture. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives if you prefer a lighter meal.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even finely crushed oats for a similar effect.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a great umami flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Marinara or Barbecue Sauce: This provides the glaze and extra flavor. You can swap marinara for salsa or a homemade tomato sauce if you want to change things up.
Black Olives: They create the “pupil” look. If olives aren’t your favorite, you could use capers or even cooked peas for a fun alternative.
How Do You Shape Perfectly Round Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to get uniform results:
- Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.
- Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for a size similar to a golf ball.
- Hold the meatball in one hand and gently roll it between your palms to smooth it out.
Consistency is key. If you want them all the same size, you can use a cookie scoop to help measure! This way, they cook evenly.
With these tips and tricks, your Eyeball Meatballs will not just look great, but they’ll taste amazing too! Happy cooking!
Eyeball Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- For the Glaze & Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara or barbecue sauce (for glazing and serving)
- 6 mozzarella balls or bocconcini (small round mozzarella pieces)
- 6 large black olives, sliced into rings (to make the eyeball pupils)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious and spooky dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Use your hands or a big spoon to mix everything together until it’s well blended. Make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shaping the Meatballs:
Take the meat mixture and shape it into 6 equal meatballs. You can make them about the size of a golf ball. Place each meatball carefully on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Baking the Meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
5. Preparing the “Eyeballs”:
While the meatballs are baking, get the mozzarella balls ready by slicing them horizontally if necessary, so they have a flat base to sit on. Next, slice the black olives into thin rings, which will serve as the pupils for the eyeballs.
6. Glazing the Meatballs:
When the meatballs are finished baking, take them out of the oven. Brush each meatball generously with marinara or barbecue sauce to give them a delicious glaze.
7. Adding the Eyeballs:
Carefully place a mozzarella ball on top of each meatball to resemble an eyeball.
8. Creating the Pupils:
Press a black olive slice onto the center of each mozzarella ball to create the pupil of the eyeball. It’s starting to look spooky!
9. Final Touch-up (Optional):
If you want the mozzarella to be extra gooey, you can put the meatballs back in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mozzarella is slightly melted and warm.
10. Serving the Meatballs:
Once done, drizzle any remaining sauce over the meatballs. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the spooky delight of your Eyeball Meatballs!
Have fun with this delicious and quirky dish—perfect for Halloween dinner or any fun gathering!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may result in a slightly different flavor and texture, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick meal, or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, shape them, and then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs; just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easy storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Serve With Eyeball Meatballs?
These fun meatballs are great on their own, but you can also serve them over spaghetti or rice for a heartier meal. For a lower-carb option, consider pairing them with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a fresh green salad to keep it light.