Description
Looking for spooky dinner ideas for Halloween or a fun meal to make with kids? This Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs recipe is a festive, quick dinner that’s as cute as it is comforting. Juicy beef meatballs are topped with mozzarella “ghosts” and olive eyes, nestled on a bed of saucy spaghetti. It’s perfect for Halloween parties, family meals, or easy dinner ideas all fall long. Fun food ideas don’t get better than this — spooky, cheesy, and delicious!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
8 slices mozzarella cheese
16 mini black olives, sliced
12 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
2 tablespoons extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Roll the meat into 8 equal-sized meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with some marinara sauce.
6. Preheat broiler. Place one slice of mozzarella on each meatball. Broil for 1–2 minutes until melted and slightly draped.
7. Add two mini olive slices on each cheese-topped meatball for eyes.
8. Serve meatballs over spaghetti nests. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for Halloween-themed meals and parties.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Mozzarella slices work best, but shredded cheese can be shaped into ghosts if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: American, Halloween
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball + 1.5 oz spaghetti
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spooky dinner, Halloween meal, monster meatballs, fun food ideas, easy dinner