Description
Juicy beef-and-pork meatballs baked with spooky green olive ‘eyeballs’ and served in a rich, garlicky marinara sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing Halloween recipe is perfect for parties and adds a playful, creepy twist to your festive menu.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup large green olives, pitted and sliced (about 20)
- 1/4 cup small pimento-stuffed olives (optional, for ‘pupils’)
Instructions
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using). Mix gently until just combined.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape mixture into 20 golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 2 tbsp each) and place on the tray.
- Press one sliced green olive into the center of each meatball. Optionally, nestle a pimento-stuffed olive slice inside the green olive for a ‘pupil.’
- Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F).
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer hot meatballs to a serving platter. Spoon sauce around and over the meatballs.
- Serve immediately while hot, or keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. For dairy-free, skip Parmesan and use plant-based milk. Chill meatball mixture for easier shaping. Press olives firmly for best ‘eye’ effect. Double the recipe for large parties. Leftovers store well in fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Halloween, meatballs, spooky, party food, kid-friendly, beef, pork, olives, tomato sauce, easy, appetizer, holiday, themed recipe