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Halloween Eyeball Pasta

This dish features spaghetti served with meatballs that resemble eyeballs, including a simulated pupil for a creepy effect. The pasta is coated in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs, resulting in a playful yet hearty presentation with contrasting textures of tender meatballs and al dente noodles.
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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
  

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 500 g ground beef preferably 80% lean
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Black pepper for seasoning
  • Salt to taste for seasoning
  • 1 small baby bel or mozzarella ball for the eyeball's pupil
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for frying meatballs

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Cooking spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt, then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until well incorporated.
  3. Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add olive oil to the same skillet if needed, then pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Place the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Slice the baby bel or mozzarella ball in half to create the 'pupil' of the eyeball. Prepare each meatball by making a small indent and inserting the cheese slice into the center, then gently pressing to seal it.
  8. Place the eyeball meatballs carefully into the tomato sauce, making sure the cheese face is visible and the 'pupil' looks creepy. Let them absorb some sauce for a minute.
  9. Divide the cooked spaghetti onto serving plates and arrange the eyeball meatballs on top, creating a spooky, eye-catching presentation.
  10. Optional: Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

Use mozzarella for a more authentic eyeball look; ensure meatballs are evenly sized for uniform presentation.