Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping or sauce base)
– Edible googly eyes (or small pieces of mozzarella cheese and olives for DIY eyes)
– Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
Creating Spooky Monster Meatballs is straightforward once you have all your ingredients ready. Follow these steps for a frightfully delicious treat:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands to mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or your hands to shape the mixture into round meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each.
5. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
6. Prepare the Eyes: While the meatballs are baking, get your googly eyes or cheese and olives ready for decoration.
7. Cool and Decorate: Once cooked, let the meatballs cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, use the eyes to decorate your meatballs, placing them on top of each meatball for a fun and spooky effect.
8. Serve with Marinara Sauce: Heat the marinara sauce if desired and serve it alongside the meatballs for dipping.
These steps will guide you through creating a platter of delightful Spooky Monster Meatballs that are sure to impress everyone at your gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 22g