Eyeball Meatballs are a fun and spooky dish perfect for parties! These meatballs, made with ground beef and seasoned herbs, are shaped like eyeballs and topped with a slice of olive to resemble the eye.
Making these playful bites is a blast, especially when you present them to friends. Just watch their faces when they see “eyeballs” on their plates! 😂 I love serving them with spaghetti for a creepy yet delicious dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show for meatballs! You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or chickpeas blended smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds flavor and helps bind the meatballs. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Pecorino Romano works too if you like a sharper taste.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are great, but you can use panko for a lighter texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers are excellent substitutes if needed.
Fresh Mozzarella: These little balls melt nicely and add to the eyeball effect. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella will also work, or you can even use cheese slices for a quick fix.
Oregano: This herb adds great flavor. If you’re out of oregano, dried basil or Italian seasoning can work as stand-ins, giving your meatballs that herby goodness.
How Do I Shape the Perfect Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky. Here’s a simple way to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Keep your hands slightly damp with water to prevent sticking.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to grab a portion of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms.
- Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking—about 1.5 inches is ideal.
Remember, the less you handle the meat mixture, the more tender your meatballs will be. Happy cooking!
How to Make Eyeball Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- For the Eyeballs:
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella balls (small bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 6 black olives, pitted and sliced (to create the pupil)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes of prep time plus 20-25 minutes of cooking time. Total, you’ll need approximately 50-55 minutes before you can dig into these spooky treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your meatballs are ready to bake.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, onion, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. It should look like a cohesive mixture.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs! Grab about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to create balls—aim for about 12 meatballs total. They should be firm but not overly packed.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to a baking dish.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce generously over the browned meatballs in the baking dish. Make sure they’re all nicely coated for extra flavor!
6. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
7. Prepare the “Eyeballs”:
While the meatballs are baking, slice the fresh mozzarella balls in half horizontally. You will place a mozzarella half on top of each meatball after they’re done baking.
8. Assemble the Eyeballs:
Once your meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and carefully place one mozzarella half on each meatball. Then, place a slice of black olive on top of the mozzarella to create the eyeball pupil.
9. Garnish:
For that finishing touch, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley over the dish for a splash of color!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Eyeball Meatballs hot, spooning some extra sauce over the plate for a spooky presentation. Your guests will love them—perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering!
Enjoy these creepy, delicious Eyeball Meatballs for Halloween parties or fun dinners! 🎃
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatball. Just ensure not to overmix the turkey to keep the meatballs tender.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella?
If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella or even cheese slices. Just cut them to size so they fit well on top of the meatballs!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance! Shape them and store them in the fridge. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Eyeball Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or the microwave, adding a splash of sauce to keep them moist.