Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Introduction:

Turn your Halloween dinner into a spine-chilling feast with this Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs “Eyeball” Pasta. This recipe features eerie meatball “eyeballs” filled with string cheese and topped with olives, making it a fun and creepy meal perfect for impressing both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb. spaghetti noodles (or zoodles for a low-carb option)
• 24 oz. jar of your favorite pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Meatball “Eyeballs”:

• 1 lb. ground beef (ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1 tsp. garlic salt
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 sticks of string cheese, cut into 4 pieces each (16 total)
• 1 small can of black olives, sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatball “Eyeballs”:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
   • Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 2 inches each.
   • Insert a piece of string cheese into the center of each meatball, leaving a bit of cheese sticking out to form the “white” of the eyeball.
   • Place a slice of black olive on top of each meatball to create the “iris.”
   • Arrange the meatballs in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
   • While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and return to the pot.
   • Pour the pasta sauce over the cooked noodles and stir to coat evenly.
3. Assemble the Spooky “Eyeball” Pasta:
   • Divide the spaghetti among serving plates, creating a “nest” of noodles.
   • Place 2-3 meatball “eyeballs” on top of each serving of spaghetti.
   • Serve with optional sides like roasted green beans (“witch’s fingers”) or garlic bread for a complete Halloween meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat Substitutes: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute string cheese with slices of mozzarella, cut into small rounds for the “eyeball” centers.
• Olive Substitutes: If olives aren’t to your taste, omit them or use small circles of pimento for a different garnish.

Storage and Reheating

• Leftovers: Store any leftover spaghetti and meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The meatballs freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, or try zoodles for a low-carb alternative.
2. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance? Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
3. What if I don’t have string cheese? Mozzarella slices work well as a substitute. Just cut them into small rounds to fit inside the meatballs.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or provolone.
5. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, you can use meatless meatballs and omit the cheese stuffing or use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
6. How can I make the meatballs spicier? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture to give the meatballs some extra heat.
7. Can I use homemade pasta sauce? Absolutely! Homemade sauce can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of the dish.
8. What can I serve as a side dish? Consider serving mummified garlic bread or roasted “witch’s fingers” green beans for a themed meal.
9. How do I know when the meatballs are done? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F.
10. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

This Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs recipe is a delightful way to add a fun twist to your Halloween dinner. With its creepy yet tasty “eyeball” meatballs and flavorful spaghetti, it’s sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering. Enjoy this delicious and eerie meal with your family and friends, and make this Halloween one to remember!

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