Spooky Spaghetti Cheesy Monster

This spooky spaghetti and cheesy monster meatballs recipe brings a playful twist to family dinners, turning a classic pasta night into a frightfully fun occasion. The stuffed meatballs with gooey mozzarella centers hidden inside and decorated with olive eyes make mealtime exciting for kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add some whimsy to the table.

I first made this during a Halloween party, and it was the hit of the night. My kids couldn’t stop laughing at the goofy monster faces and asked for it on repeat after that.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: one pound or swap for ground turkey or chicken for lighter options making the meatballs juicy and flavorful
• Large egg: binds the meat mixture together ensuring the meatballs hold their shape
• Breadcrumbs: half cup add texture and help keep meatballs tender choose plain or Italian seasoned to suit your taste
• Garlic powder and onion powder: half teaspoon each boost the savory flavor profile essential for depth
• Salt and pepper: to taste for seasoning because good seasoning makes all the difference
• Mozzarella cheese: one cup cubed for the gooey surprise center pick fresh or whole milk mozzarella for best melt
• Black olives: sliced these make the monster eyes adding a fun and spooky touch
• Mozzarella cheese slices: use for the whites of the eyes fresh slices work best for easy shaping
• Olive oil: two tablespoons used to toss the pasta preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness
• Spaghetti: one pound choose regular or colored pasta for a spookier effect black or purple varieties are fun
• Marinara or spaghetti sauce: three cups a flavorful base for the pasta pick your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for extra love
• Optional: parsley or Italian seasoning: to sprinkle on top for a pop of color and herbal note

Instructions

Make and Shape the Meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit about 200 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once combined, take a spoonful of the mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully roll the mixture around it forming a tight ball that encloses the cheese completely. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.

Bake the Monster Meatballs:

Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. Bake in the preheated oven for eighteen to twenty minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove and let them cool slightly to make decorating easier.

Cook the Spaghetti:

While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. For a spooky twist, add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the boiling salted water. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together.

Warm the Sauce:

In a skillet or saucepan, gently heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat all the noodles evenly. Keep warm on low heat while you get the meatballs ready.

Decorate the Monster Meatballs:

Once the meatballs have cooled just enough to handle, use small round pieces of mozzarella slices for the whites of the eyes and place a sliced black olive on top for the pupils. You can secure these “eyes” with a bit of sauce or mayonnaise to help them stay put if needed.

Assemble and Serve:

Pile the spooky spaghetti on a large serving platter and nestle the monster meatballs right on top. Spoon additional sauce over everything if you like. Serve the dish warm and watch the delighted reactions at the table.

One Halloween, my kids proudly made their own monster eyes which made the meal twice as special and created great memories.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the cheese gooey and the meatballs moist. To avoid overcooking, warm the food in a covered dish in the microwave or on low heat on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for leaner meatballs. If avoiding breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work well for binding. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread go wonderfully on the side to complement the Italian flavors. A glass of sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing pairing.

This recipe is a delightful way to combine fun with flavor and create memorable family moments around the dinner table.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I stuff the meatballs with cheese?

Flatten a spoonful of the meat mixture, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully roll it into a ball to seal the cheese inside.

→ Can I use other meats besides ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

→ What is the best way to prevent spaghetti from sticking?

After draining, toss the cooked spaghetti with olive oil to separate strands and keep it from sticking together.

→ How do I create the monster eyes on the meatballs?

Use small slices of mozzarella for the whites and black olive slices for the pupils, attaching them with a dab of sauce or mayo.

→ Can I add color to the spaghetti?

Yes, adding a few drops of red or green food coloring to the boiling water gives the spaghetti a spooky, festive look.