Name: Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces spaghetti noodles; 2 cups marinara sauce; 6 slices mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup sliced black olives

These Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs are the ultimate Halloween dinner—fun, flavorful, and just the right amount of creepy. Imagine tender spaghetti coated in rich marinara, topped with juicy meatballs wearing melted cheese as ghostly shrouds. Their haunting “eyes” made from black olives will have your little monsters giggling and gobbling them up.

Perfect for a Halloween party or a fright-night family dinner, this recipe is all about creativity without sacrificing taste. Not only does it look spook-tacular, but every bite is packed with comforting Italian flavor. It’s a festive way to turn classic spaghetti and meatballs into a meal full of thrills and chills.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Classic spaghetti works best for this dish as it creates that perfect tangle of “monster hair”. However, feel free to substitute with gluten-free spaghetti or whole wheat if you prefer. The key is to have long, flexible noodles that help anchor the meatballs and keep the monster illusion intact.

Ingredients for the Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs

Ground Beef or Turkey: The base for our meatballs. Choose lean beef or turkey for a healthier option.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds a nice texture.
Egg: Essential for holding the meatball mixture together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a touch of umami to the meatballs.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Brings the savory Italian flavor profile to life.
Marinara Sauce: The spooky red base that coats the noodles.
Spaghetti Noodles: Acts as the “monster hair” in this dish.
Mozzarella Cheese Slices: Draped over meatballs for that melted ghost-like appearance.
Black Olives: Sliced to make eerie monster eyes.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance flavor.

How To Make the Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it or the meatballs can become tough.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and toss with marinara sauce in a large skillet or pot to coat evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Monsters

Once the meatballs are done, place them on top of mounds of spaghetti on a baking-safe dish. Drape a piece of mozzarella cheese over each meatball so it melts slightly down the sides like a spooky ghost.

Step 5: Add the Monster Eyes

Top each cheesy meatball with two sliced black olives for eyes. You can press them into the cheese while it’s warm so they stick perfectly.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Pop the assembled spaghetti and meatballs into the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes—just enough to let the mozzarella get gooey and ghostly.

Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the meatballs are still warm. Watch your guests’ faces light up with delight (and maybe a little spook)!

How to Serve and Store Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs

Serve these little monster meatballs right away while the cheese is gooey and the spaghetti is warm. They’re best plated with a tangle of spaghetti as the “body” and the cheesy meatballs perched like spooky little heads.

For parties, arrange them on a large platter or tray for a dramatic centerpiece. They’re perfect for kids’ Halloween dinners, themed potlucks, or just a spooky night-in.

To store leftovers, transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Keep the olives separate if possible, as they can get rubbery when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and bake the meatballs a day in advance. Just reheat and assemble with the spaghetti and cheese before serving.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti works best for the monster effect, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Sure! Swap the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or veggie balls. Most store-bought versions will still hold up well with the cheesy monster topping.

What kind of cheese melts best for the monster look?

Mozzarella is the go-to here because it melts into that perfect stretchy, ghostly sheet. Provolone or Monterey Jack can also work if you want to experiment.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the meatballs separately, but the spaghetti and cheese are best enjoyed fresh. Assemble after thawing and heating the components.

How do I keep the olive eyes from sliding off?

Make sure the cheese is warm but not too melted when adding the olive slices. Lightly press them into the cheese so they “stick” as it sets.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Fun Twist?

If you had fun making these Spooky Spaghetti & Cheesy Monster Meatballs, you’ll love these other creative meals too:

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy comfort food mash-up.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you’re craving rich, cozy flavors without the cleanup.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a veggie-packed weeknight hit.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole if you’re after something indulgent and bake-worthy.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup to turn pasta night into something delightfully slurpable.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can bring it back every Halloween (or anytime you’re feeling spooky): Life with Jam on Pinterest

Tried it? Let me know how your monster meatballs turned out! Did you make them extra spooky with green noodles? Or try a different cheese? Share your fun tweaks and ask your questions in the comments!