Description
This Easy Halloween Zombie Eye Meatball Recipe is a fun and spooky twist on classic meatballs, perfect for Halloween parties. Ground beef meatballs are mixed with shredded apple and onion for moisture and flavor, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with cute zombie eyes made from apple slices and black olive dots. Served over gluten-free spaghetti with tomato sauce, this dish combines playful presentation with comforting, flavorful ingredients. It’s simple to make, gluten-free, and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Shredded Apple
- ⅓ Cup Shredded Sweet Onion
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Avocado or Olive Oil, for cooking
Zombie Eye Decoration
- Apple (for slicing small circles)
- Black or Kalamata Olives (for small dots)
Other Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Spaghetti
- Tomato Sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Shred the apple and onion using a large box grater. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded apple, shredded onion, egg, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about 20 to 25 equal-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet, shaping them into smooth balls.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat avocado or olive oil in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking them until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Keep the skillet uncovered to allow excess moisture released by the apple and onion to evaporate. Drain any accumulated liquid before proceeding.
- Cook Pasta and Sauce: Prepare gluten-free spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well and toss with your favorite tomato sauce until evenly coated. Keep warm.
- Create Zombie Eyes: Slice thin, small circles from the apple to serve as the white part of the eyes. Cut very tiny pieces from black or kalamata olives to serve as the pupils. Place an olive piece on top of each apple slice to create a zombie eye. Prepare enough eyes for all meatballs.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a zombie eye on top of each meatball. Serve the meatballs alongside or on top of the spaghetti with tomato sauce. Enjoy this spooky and delicious Halloween dish!
Notes
- To save time, use a stand mixer on low speed to blend the meatball mixture evenly without overmixing.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use an ice cream scoop for perfectly sized meatballs, then round with your hands for even shape.
- Because of the apple and onion, expect some water release during cooking; cook uncovered and drain excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Note that gluten-free spaghetti mixed with sauce may soften if stored together due to moisture absorption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
