Description

Bloody Spaghetti with Mozzarella Eyeballs is a fun and spooky pasta dish perfect for Halloween or themed parties. This recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich marinara and ground beef sauce, enhanced with a touch of red food coloring for a bloodier effect. Small mozzarella balls topped with black olive slices resemble creepy eyeballs, making this meal both delicious and visually striking.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

400 g spaghetti

Meat Sauce

500 g ground beef
1 jar (500 g) marinara sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Eyeball Garnish

1 cup black olives, sliced in half
200 g small mozzarella balls
Red food coloring (optional, for a bloodier effect)

Finishing

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring to intensify the sauce’s bloody appearance. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Prepare mozzarella eyeballs: While the sauce simmers, slice the small mozzarella balls in half. Place a sliced black olive on each half to mimic an eyeball’s pupil and iris.
Toss spaghetti with sauce: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the simmered marinara and beef sauce, tossing well to coat every strand with the rich sauce.
Assemble the dish: Transfer the sauced spaghetti to a large serving platter. Arrange the mozzarella eyeballs artfully on top to create the appearance of eyeballs hidden within the bloody pasta.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the spooky, flavorful dish at its best.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for different dietary preferences.
Red food coloring is optional; the marinara sauce alone provides a rich red color.
Use fresh basil for best flavor but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
Ensure mozzarella balls are well drained to prevent watering down the sauce.
This dish is best served fresh; avoid reheating the mozzarella eyeballs to maintain their shape.