Spooky spaghetti and cheese stuffed meatballs are the ultimate Halloween dinner idea that’s as fun as it is delicious. With gooey cheese hidden inside savory meatballs, topped with olive “eyeballs” for a creepy effect, this recipe will wow kids and adults alike. When paired with saucy spaghetti, this comforting classic becomes a festive centerpiece ideal for Halloween parties, cozy family dinners, or even a spooky movie night. In just under an hour, you’ll have a spooky dish that tastes as good as it looks.
Why You’ll Love This Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is the perfect blend of fun presentation and classic Italian flavors. The meatballs are tender, cheesy, and flavorful, while the spaghetti and sauce provide the perfect base. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but festive enough to impress at a Halloween party. Plus, the edible “eyeballs” are guaranteed to make everyone smile before digging in.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these spooky meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey as an alternative)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
Black olives, sliced
1 pound spaghetti noodles
24 ounces pasta sauce (any favorite brand works great)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly blended.
Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 2 inches each, and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Stuff with cheese: Insert a piece of string cheese into the center of each meatball, leaving the top slightly exposed.
Add the spooky touch: Place a black olive slice on top of each meatball to create the “eyeball” look.
Bake: Cook for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Prepare the pasta: As the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Drain and toss with your favorite pasta sauce.
Assemble and serve: Place spaghetti on plates, top with meatballs, and enjoy your spooky Halloween dinner!
Helpful Tips
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—it keeps the meat tender.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
Line your baking dish with foil for easier cleanup.
Serve immediately so the cheese inside stays warm and melty.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Variations: You can easily substitute the beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based option.
Cheese Options: Swap string cheese for mozzarella cubes, cheddar chunks, or provolone slices.
Sauce Twist: Try a spicy arrabbiata or creamy Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
Eyeball Look: No olives? Try capers, cherry tomato halves, or food-safe candy eyes for a playful twist.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs without pasta for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or simmer gently in sauce.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe):
Calories: ~750
Carbohydrates: 100g
Protein: 50g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: 1600mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g
(Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.)
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete Italian-style meal.
Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Serve at a Halloween party with spooky decorations to enhance the fun theme.
For kids, pair with apple cider or a themed Halloween punch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the meatballs a day in advance, refrigerate them, and bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Definitely. Shape and stuff the meatballs, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes.
What type of pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti is classic, but you can also use linguine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
How can I make them spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or spicy Italian sausage to the meat mixture.
Do the olive “eyeballs” taste strong?
Black olives have a mild flavor and pair nicely with the cheesy, savory meatballs. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or replace them with another garnish.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these spooky spaghetti and cheese stuffed meatballs! This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines comforting flavors with a festive twist that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. It’s cheesy, savory, and so much fun to serve—especially on Halloween. I hope you enjoy preparing (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. Wishing you a hauntingly delicious meal and lots of happy moments in the kitchen. Thanks for being part of this food-loving community!
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Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a Halloween twist on a classic Italian dinner. Tender meatballs are stuffed with gooey cheese, topped with olive “eyeballs,” and served over saucy spaghetti. A family-friendly, festive meal that’s perfect for parties or a spooky night at home.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey as substitute)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
Black olives, sliced
1 pound spaghetti noodles
24 ounces pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly blended.
Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 2 inches each, and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Stuff with cheese: Insert a piece of string cheese into the center of each meatball, leaving the top slightly exposed.
Add the spooky touch: Place a black olive slice on top of each meatball to create the “eyeball” look.
Bake: Cook for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Prepare the pasta: As the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Drain and toss with your favorite pasta sauce.
Assemble and serve: Place spaghetti on plates, top with meatballs, and enjoy your spooky Halloween dinner!
Notes
Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
Try mozzarella cubes, cheddar chunks, or provolone instead of string cheese.
If you don’t like olives, skip them for a “blind eyeball” version that’s still fun.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (4 meatballs + pasta)
- Calories: ~750
- Sugar: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Protein: 50g