This really simple “Spooky” Eyeball Meatball Casserole, is always a hit with my family. It’s fun to make and really hearty and delicious. Enjoy every spooky bite!
Each year around this time, I try to think up some fun dinner ideas that will also taste good. It’s one thing to have a fun idea but, the family has to enjoy it. During the hectic weeknights, it’s always a challenge to come up with good tasting meals for my family that are also healthy. Between work and running my son around it’s not always easy. I happen to love shopping at Trader Joe’s. The prices are very fair and you can find some great frozen items that you can turn into wonderful dinner ideas. The turkey meatballs in this recipe are from there. Of course you can use beef meatballs too as I have as a change of pace once in a while. I gave you the link below and right here for the not so scary version of this dish. “Shortcut Meatball Pasta Bake” However you make it with or without the spooky eyes, it’s really easy to prepare and the kids and hubby get a big kick out of it. Surprise your family and eat up, it’s delish!
Spooky Eyeball Meatball Casserole
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 box penne pasta
- 1 jar approx. 25 ounce size of your favorite bottled marinara sauce
- 15 meatballs, I used Trader Joe’s frozen turkey meatballs
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- sprinkle garlic powder
- 1/8 cup parmesan cheese
- fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half
- small black olives, cut into slices
- cut up peppers, about 1/2 cup, any colors
- ketchup for drizzling
Directions:
Spooky Eyeball Meatball Casserole
This really simple “Spooky" Eyeball Meatball Casserole, is always a hit with my family. It’s fun to make and really hearty and delicious. Enjoy every spooky bite!
Ingredients
- 1 box penne pasta
- 25 ounce jar your favorite bottled marinara sauce
- 15 meatballs, I used Trader Joe’s frozen turkey meatballs
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- sprinkle garlic powder
- mozzarella balls cut in half
- small black olives, cut into slices
- cut up peppers, any color or colors
- ketchup from a squeeze bottle
Instructions
-
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees, have a casserole or baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and set aside.
2.Cook pasta to al dente. Try not to over cook and make too soft. Drain and pour into casserole dish.
3.Pour sauce over pasta and gently mix in.
4.Microwave the meatballs just until they are not frozen solid and cut up 6 of them into quarters and mix into pasta.
5.Toss in the parmesan and grated cheddar along with the garlic powder. Mix gently. Now, mix in the cut up peppers.
6.Bake for about 30 minutes until hot. You will probably see some bubbling. Take out, let sit on the counter for a few minutes.
7.Place the cheese halves on top of each meatball then the olive. Now you can drizzle the ketchup around the cheese balls. Enjoy!
Here’s the link again for the “Shortcut Meatball Pasta Bake”
Before leaving, check out a yummy Halloween dessert that would be great after this great meal. You’re going to love it!
Vanilla Halloween Cupcakes with Fluffy Purple Frosting
