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