Ah, Eyeball Meatball Soup! Now there’s a dish that brings out the kid in all of us, doesn’t it? I first came across this spooky delight during a Halloween party several years ago, and I’ve been making it every October ever since. There’s something so delightfully grotesque yet delicious about meatballs that resemble eyeballs bobbing in a steaming bowl of soup! It not only sets the perfect eerie mood for Halloween gatherings but also gets everyone giggling and squeamish, all at the same time. Trust me, your guests will be talking about it long after the last spoonful has been slurped!
Let’s dig into the details! This Halloween soup isn’t just about the looks; it’s packed with flavors that are sure to warm you up on a crisp autumn night. Imagine kids (and adults!) squirming in delight as they scoop up their “eyeballs” with a side of cheesy toast monsters. So, let’s get you started on conjuring up this spooky dish!
What’s in Eyeball Meatball Soup?
Ground Beef: The main ingredient for our meatballs. I prefer using 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for a juicy, flavorful experience. You could also mix it up with ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and give them that lovely texture. I like to use Italian-style breadcrumbs for an extra kick of flavor.
Egg: The glue that holds everything together! It keeps our meatballs nice and moist. Use a large egg for this recipe.
Spices: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper gives our meatballs a burst of flavor. Don’t skip on the garlic—it’s a Halloween essential in my book!
Marinara Sauce: This delicious tomato base is what brings it all together. You can go with store-bought or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!
Olives: These are the magic ingredient that turns our meatballs into eyeballs. Black olives provide the perfect “pupil” that completes the look!
Vegetable Broth: This is the base of our soup, adding depth and flavor. Homemade is always best, but store-bought will do just fine!
Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, and Onion): These add nutrition and texture to the soup, not to mention they taste delicious simmered in the broth.
Is Eyeball Meatball Soup Good for You?
Well, that depends on your perspective! Ground Beef gives you a hearty dose of protein, which is essential for a satisfying meal. Plus, Olives are loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants. On the other hand, it can be a bit on the indulgent side with the cheese and bread on the side, so definitely enjoy in moderation—especially if you’re eyeing (pun intended!) your caloric intake.
This soup can also be packed with nutrients from carrots and celery, making it a one-pot meal that can warm your heart and soul! Just make sure to choose a low-sodium broth to keep it on the healthier side.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Ground Beef
– 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian style preferred)
– 1 large Egg
– 1 tsp Garlic Powder
– 1 tsp Onion Powder
– Salt and Pepper (to taste)
– 2 cups Marinara Sauce
– 1 can Black Olives (sliced)
– 4 cups Vegetable Broth
– 2 Carrots (diced)
– 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
– 1 small Onion (diced)
*Serves 6-8*
How to Make Eyeball Meatball Soup?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the meatballs.
2. **Make the Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If you have little helpers, this is a fun part!
3. **Form Eyeballs:** Roll the meat mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. **Add the Olives:** Using a slice from the black olives, gently press one into the center of each meatball to create the “eyeball” effect.
5. **Bake the Meatballs:** Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
6. **Prepare the Soup:** In a large pot, add the vegetable broth, diced carrots, celery, and onion. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. **Add the Marinara:** Stir in the marinara sauce and let it heat through. Then gently add in the baked meatballs.
8. **Serve:** Let your soup sit for a few minutes so all those flavors meld together, then ladle it into bowls. You can top it with grated cheese for an extra touch.
Spooky Serving Suggestions!
To enhance the eerie appeal, consider serving the soup in cauldron-like bowls. You can also create crudely decorated toast with melted cheese to accompany your soup, resembling ghostly faces! A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can add a pop of color and a touch of “freshness” to the presentation—perfect for the Halloween theme.
As Halloween approaches, I can’t help but feel excited to set the scene with deliciously spooky dishes like Eyeball Meatball Soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, and I hope you’ll try this recipe to usher in some festive fun! Be sure to let me know how your spooky soup turns out—happy cooking and haunting!