Creepy Scary Spooky Eyeball Pasta

These spooky spaghetti and eyeballs are not only a fun twist on a classic dish, but they are also packed with hearty protein and flavor. Perfect for Halloween gatherings or a playful family dinner, this dish makes for an eye-catching centerpiece that is sure to impress. Plus, you can whip it up in under 45 minutes, making it a convenient and delicious meal the whole family will love.

In my kitchen, every recipe has a story, and this one is no different. It tells of cozy family nights where laughter intertwined with delicious bites, and kids excitedly squealed at the sight of “eyeballs” adorning their plates. The combination of tender meatballs and classic spaghetti, topped with creepy yet cute googly-eyed motifs of olives, brings joy to those who sit around the table. Let’s dive deeper into how to create this delightful dish!

Spooky Spaghetti and Eyeballs

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A playful twist on classic spaghetti featuring meatballs shaped like eyeballs, perfect for Halloween gatherings.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Paleo

Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
• 1/2 cup onion (grated)
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups spaghetti sauce
• 8 green olives with pimento
• Mozzarella cheese slices
• Black olives
• Spaghetti noodles

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Instructions

1. Combine the ground beef, onion, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, milk, kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, slightly smaller than golf balls.
3. Lightly spray the bottom of your Instant Pot with cooking spray and pour in the spaghetti sauce. Layer the meatballs over the sauce.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, switch the valve to sealing, and press the Manual button. Set it to high pressure for 7 minutes, then allow a natural slow release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.
5. Remove the lid and stir the sauce gently. Cook spaghetti noodles as per package instructions and drain.
6. Combine the noodles with the sauce. Twirl noodles in a serving ladle and place “nests” in serving bowls.
7. Cut circles of mozzarella cheese and place atop each meatball, then add a slice of black olive for the eyeball effect. Scatter green olives over the top.

Notes

Get the kids involved in shaping the meatballs for more fun! Consider using ground turkey for a lighter option or swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles for a healthier substitute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Why You’ll Love This Spooky Treat

Dare to make dinner a little more fun with this Spaghetti and Eyeballs recipe! Not only will your family delight in the whimsical presentation, but they’ll also benefit from the nutritious ingredients that foster both filling meals and creative imaginations. This dish promotes family bonding, laughter, and culinary creativity , perfect for those chilly nights when everyone needs a little warmth and cheer.

How to Make Spaghetti and Eyeballs

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
• 1/2 cup onion (grated)
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups spaghetti sauce
• 8 green olives with pimento
• Mozzarella cheese slices
• Black olives
• Spaghetti noodles

Directions:

1. Begin by combining the ground beef, grated onion, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, milk, kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This is a fun task to do with your hands, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, slightly smaller than golf balls. You can use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to help with this.
3. Lightly spray the bottom of your Instant Pot with cooking spray and pour in the spaghetti sauce. Layer the meatballs over the sauce, allowing them to touch, but be careful not to squish them too much.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, switch the valve to “sealing,” and press the “Manual” button. Set it to high pressure for 7 minutes. Once the timer sounds, allow for a natural slow release for another 5 minutes before performing a quick release by switching the tab to “venting.”
5. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and give the sauce a gentle stir. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles as directed on the package and drain.
6. Combine the noodles with the sauce, mixing until everything is thoroughly coated. To create a fun presentation, twirl the noodles in a serving ladle using a fork and place the “nests” in serving bowls.
7. For the finishing touch, carefully cut out circles of mozzarella cheese and place a circle atop each meatball. Then, add a slice of black olive for the creepy eyeball effect! Lastly, scatter the green olives over the top for some extra flair.

Serving Spooky Spaghetti and Eyeballs

Serve this dish family-style, allowing everyone to dive into their own nests of spaghetti adorned with “eyeballs.” Feel free to pair it with a salad or a warm loaf of garlic bread for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and fun!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which can be rare with such a fun dish), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed, and watch the excitement flare up again at the dinner table!

Helpful Tips for Spaghetti and Eyeballs

• Don’t hesitate to get the kids involved in shaping the meatballs—they’ll love helping create “eyeballs!”
• To make the meatballs even more flavorful, consider adding some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
• For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to swap out the spaghetti for a healthier alternative, such as spiralized zucchini or whole wheat pasta. For the “eyeballs,” you can use cherry tomatoes instead of olives for a different flavor profile that still looks incredibly fun!

FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just reheat before serving and add the pasta right before dinner.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

No problem! You can cook the meatballs in a pan on the stovetop, then simmer them with the spaghetti sauce until fully cooked.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This spaghetti and eyeballs dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container—thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Dive into the delightful world of Spaghetti and Eyeballs! It’s sure to be a hit with both kiddos and grown-ups alike, sparking laughter and joy at your dinner table!