If you’re craving a frightfully fun dinner that the whole family will adore, look no further than Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs. This irresistible recipe turns classic comfort food into a playful Halloween feast, complete with oozy mozzarella-filled meatballs nestled on a bed of pasta and topped with “eyeball” olive slices. Not only do these meatballs deliver big on flavor, but they also bring out the giggles and excitement for any spooky-themed gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the simple ingredients for Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs is straightforward, but each one plays a deliciously important role in taste, color, and texture. From the juicy combo of beef and sausage to the gooey mozzarella center and spooky olive “eyeballs,” this lineup guarantees a meal that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat.
- Ground beef: Delivers hearty flavor and structure as the primary base for your meatballs.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds richness and a kick of Italian herbs and spices to the mix.
- Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs tender and help them hold together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the mixture with a nutty, savory sharpness.
- Large egg: Acts as the essential binder to help everything stick properly.
- Minced garlic: Provides that signature aromatic goodness that makes the meatballs irresistible.
- Italian seasoning: Packs each bite with herby, classic Italian flavor; dried or homemade both work well.
- Salt: Just the right amount to enhance and balance every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle bite that pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling.
- Mozzarella cheese (cut into cubes): Melts into a glorious, gooey surprise in the center of every meatball.
- Marinara sauce (jarred or homemade): Provides a tangy, flavorful bath for your meatballs and pasta.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta base, wonderful for twirling and holding all the delicious sauce.
- Black olives (optional, for decoration): Slice these to create spooky “eyeballs” for a fun, festive finish.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color to your spooky spread.
How to Make Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare for Assembly
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This quick prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the meatballs cook evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage (with casings removed), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined – overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so go easy at this stage for the most tender results.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Cheese
Scoop roughly two tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then gently close the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball and making sure the cheese is completely sealed inside. This is where the magic happens – each bite will have a surprise oozy center!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the stuffed meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they brown nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until they are cooked through and take on a lovely golden hue. The cheese may try to peek out, but that’s part of their charm.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While your meatballs are busy baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside. Try using ghost-shaped or even black squid ink noodles for an extra-spooky touch!
Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Carefully nestle the baked meatballs into the sauce and let them simmer for about five minutes, soaking up all that rich tomato flavor while keeping the meatballs moist and delicious.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Plate the spaghetti, spoon the saucy meatballs on top, and channel your inner artist: use sliced black olives to create “eyeballs” atop each meatball or hidden within the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and serve up your Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs while they’re warm and melty.
How to Serve Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Garnishes
Finish your Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs with playful touches! A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the plate, and sliced black olives make the “eyeball” effect pop. A final dusting of extra Parmesan is always welcome for added cheesiness.
Side Dishes
Complement your meal with garlic breadsticks or a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, are also wonderful sides that balance out the richness of the meatballs and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your table into a Halloween scene by serving the dish in a black cauldron for a witchy vibe or nestling the spaghetti in shallow “graveyard” platters with meatballs as “monsters.” Don’t be afraid to get silly – the more you embrace the spooky theme, the more fun everyone will have with your Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs, simply transfer leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making next-day lunches absolutely delightful.
Freezing
These meatballs are freezer-friendly! You can shape and stuff the raw meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Store frozen (uncooked) meatballs in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, just bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet and gently warm over medium-low heat until heated through. If they’re frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat gently in sauce straight from the freezer, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things saucy.
FAQs
Can I make Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs without sausage?
Absolutely! You can use all ground beef, or even substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The sausage does add extra flavor, but the results are still delicious without it.
What type Main Course
Low-moisture block mozzarella works best for stuffing, as it melts nicely without making the meatballs too watery. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t create the same gooey center, so cubes are the way to go.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! Swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version and use gluten-free spaghetti. The rest of the ingredients should fit easily into most gluten-free diets.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the meatballs?
Seal the meat well around the mozzarella cube and make sure there are no cracks. Gently shaping with damp hands helps create a smooth surface that locks the cheesy surprise inside.
Can Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs be made ahead for a party?
Yes! You can shape and freeze the meatballs weeks ahead of your event, then bake and serve on the big night. It’s a major time-saver and ensures you’ll be free to enjoy the festivities too.
Final Thoughts
Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a surefire way to spark joy (and maybe a little shriek!) around your dinner table, especially during Halloween. Don’t hesitate to make this playful recipe part of your autumn traditions—you’ll delight little monsters and grown-up ghouls alike with every cheesy, saucy bite. Happy haunting and happy eating!
Print
Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs is a fun and delicious Halloween-themed dish that combines flavorful meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella, served over spaghetti in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a festive dinner!
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Black olives for decoration (optional)
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form meatballs around mozzarella cubes and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a skillet. Add meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti. Decorate with olives for a spooky touch. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can prep the meatballs ahead and freeze them uncooked for up to 1 month.
- Try using ghost-shaped pasta or squid ink noodles for a Halloween twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
