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Eyeball Pasta Monsters

This dish features cooked pasta topped with savory meatball
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta noodles cooked and drained
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or meat of choice for meatballs
  • 1 cup marinara sauce for sauce and topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg for binding meatballs
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking meatballs
  • small yellow onions optional, for added flavor in sauce
  • as needed toothpicks to secure eyeballs
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish fresh herbs

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Cooking spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small, round meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. While the meatballs bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and finely chopped onions if using. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and gently add the cooked meatballs, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
  5. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the meatballs from the sauce and place them on a serving platter. Place a small mozzarella or cheese cube into each meatball to resemble an eyeball, then secure with a toothpick if necessary.
  7. Arrange the cooked pasta on plates, and spoon the saucy meatballs on top, ensuring some sauce covers the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for color and aroma.
  8. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy the spooky, savory, and fun presentation of eyeball pasta monsters.

Notes

For extra spooky effect, dark marinara sauce with bits of chopped olives works great. Be sure to keep an eye on the meatballs while baking to avoid over- or under-cooking. Use cheese cubes with a slightly sticky texture for the eyeballs—you can also add a small black olive or some pepper for pupils.