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Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs (Taco Meatballs and Black Bean Pasta)
Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs (Taco Meatballs and Black Bean Pasta)
Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and deliciously spooky treats. This year, surprise your family and friends with a dish that is not only eye-catching but also incredibly tasty: Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs. These taco meatballs served on a bed of black bean pasta will be the centerpiece of your Halloween feast. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a favorite!
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Diablo Eyeballs. First, they combine familiar flavors with a quirky presentation that will have both kids and adults excited. The blend of ground beef, spices, and the unique “eyeball” decoration adds both fun and flavor to your Halloween table.
Second, the use of gluten-free pasta ensures that everyone can enjoy this dish, including those with dietary restrictions. This means you can host a party without worrying about who can eat what. Each meatball is perfectly spiced and balanced with a hearty tomato sauce that pairs beautifully with the black bean pasta.
Finally, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make! With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and spooky meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy Halloween nights.
How to Make Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs
Creating this delightful dish is a simple yet fun experience. Here’s how to bring these spooky eyeballs to life!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50g) gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 12 pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced (for eyeball decoration)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces (340g) black bean pasta or gluten-free pasta of choice
Directions
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, egg, and gluten-free breadcrumbs until just combined.
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Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and press a slice of olive into each one for the “eyeball” effect.
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Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
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While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onion in the oil until it becomes translucent, around 5 minutes.
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Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and optional chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the black bean pasta and cook according to the package directions (about 7–9 minutes). Drain well.
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Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, plate it beautifully, and top each serving with the meatball “eyeballs.” Serve hot and spooky!
How to Serve Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs
Presentation is key in making your spooky feast truly special. Here are some tips for serving Diablo Eyeballs:
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Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the top of the pasta adds a fresh color contrast.
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Serving Dish: Use a large platter to serve the pasta and arrange the meatballs artfully to enhance the eyeball effect.
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Side Items: Consider serving a side of garlic bread or a green salad for balance and freshness. This adds to the overall dining experience while complementing the flavors.
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Drinks: Pair with themed beverages, like a red fruit punch or spooky-themed mocktails, to complete the Halloween atmosphere.
How to Store Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs
Leftover Diablo Eyeballs can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to do it properly:
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Cooling: Allow the meatballs and pasta to cool completely at room temperature before packing.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs without the pasta. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
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Reheating: When reheating, ensure that both the meatballs and pasta are heated through completely, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tips to Make Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs
To impress your guests even more, here are some helpful tips:
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Meat Substitute: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to cater to different diets.
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Spicy Adjustment: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and optional chili flakes according to your taste preference.
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Breadcrumb Alternatives: If gluten-free breadcrumbs aren’t available, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
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Olive Options: Use different types of olives for variety, such as stuffed Kalamata olives for a change in flavor.
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Pasta Alternatives: You can also use regular spaghetti or your favorite type of pasta if you do not need a gluten-free option.
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider making a Diablo Eyeball Pasta Bake. After tossing the meatballs with the pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a whole new level of deliciousness.
FAQs
1. Can I make Diablo Eyeballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them fresh before serving for the best texture.
2. What can I serve with Diablo Eyeballs?
Consider serving a fresh side salad or garlic bread to add balance to the meal. The pasta dish also pairs well with a vibrant green vegetable dish, like steamed broccoli or asparagus.
3. Are Diablo Eyeballs kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The fun eyeball presentation and tasty flavors are sure to be a hit with kids. You can also adjust the spice levels if you prefer a milder taste for younger palates.
4. What if I don’t have black bean pasta?
No worries! You can substitute with any kind of pasta you like, including whole wheat, regular spaghetti, or gluten-free alternatives that you prefer.
5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make vegetarian Diablo Eyeballs, substitute the ground beef with a mix of vegetables, lentils, or your favorite meat substitute, and follow the rest of the steps as outlined.
Let the spooky festivities begin with these Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs. This dish is bound to be a hit at your Halloween gathering, and with its simple ingredients and steps, you can make it in no time! Enjoy the creepy fun along with a plateful of flavor.
Print
Spooky & Irresistible Diablo Eyeballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Taco meatballs served on a bed of black bean pasta, perfect for Halloween festivities.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50g) gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 12 pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced (for eyeball decoration)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces (340g) black bean pasta or gluten-free pasta of choice
Instructions
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, egg, and gluten-free breadcrumbs until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and press a slice of olive into each one for the “eyeball” effect.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped onion in the oil until it becomes translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and optional chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the black bean pasta and cook according to the package directions (about 7–9 minutes). Drain well.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, plate it beautifully, and top each serving with the meatball “eyeballs.” Serve hot and spooky!
Notes
For added variation, try creating a Diablo Eyeball Pasta Bake by adding cheese and baking until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Halloween, spooky recipe, meatballs, gluten-free pasta, Diablo Eyeballs
