Description
This fun and festive Halloween recipe features juicy ground beef meatballs blended with shredded apple and sweet onion for a subtle sweetness and moisture. Cooked on the stovetop and topped with spooky ‘zombie eyes’ made from apple slices and olive pieces, these meatballs served with gluten-free spaghetti and tomato sauce are perfect for a themed dinner that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Shredded Apple
- ⅓ Cup Shredded Sweet Onion
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Avocado oil or Olive oil (for cooking meatballs)
Zombie Eyes
- Apple slices (small circles cut)
- Black olives or Kalamata olives (tiny pieces)
Pasta
- Gluten-Free Spaghetti
- Tomato Sauce
Instructions
- Shred Apple and Onion: Begin by shredding the apple and sweet onion using a large box grater to create fine, even pieces that will blend smoothly into the meatball mixture.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded apple and onion, egg, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture into approximately 20-25 equal-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat avocado or olive oil in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking evenly and turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Keep the skillet uncovered to allow excess moisture from the apple and onion to evaporate, draining excess water as needed.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs cook, prepare gluten-free spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well and toss with your preferred tomato sauce to coat evenly.
- Make Zombie Eyes: Cut small circles from apple slices and top each with a tiny piece of black or Kalamata olive in the center to resemble creepy eyeballs. Prepare enough to top each meatball.
- Assemble and Serve: Place one zombie eye on top of each cooked meatball. Serve the meatballs alongside the sauced gluten-free spaghetti for a fun and spooky Halloween meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Shredding the apple and onion finely ensures they blend well and keep the meatballs moist without overpowering the flavor.
- Using gluten-free spaghetti makes this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Keep the skillet uncovered while cooking meatballs to prevent sogginess from moisture released by the apple and onion.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired for a leaner option.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or keep warm in a low oven while finishing pasta.
