Looking for a Halloween dinner that’s both spooky and delicious? I love making these Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs because they turn a comforting Italian classic into a festive, creepy treat that’s perfect for Halloween night. With gooey mozzarella hidden inside juicy baked meatballs, served over spaghetti dyed to look like eerie “worms,” this dish is as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it blends comfort food with playful presentation, making it ideal for family dinners or themed parties. The meatballs are tender, cheesy, and full of flavor, while the spooky spaghetti adds just the right touch of Halloween flair. It’s also simple to prepare and can be customized to fit any preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6 cubes mozzarella cheese (½–1 inch each)
For the spaghetti:
8 oz spaghetti noodles
Black or green food coloring (optional, for Halloween effect)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce:
2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
I start by mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl until just combined.
I divide the mixture into six portions, flatten each, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Then I roll them up tightly so the cheese stays sealed inside.
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking tray with parchment paper, and bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes until golden. Sometimes, I broil them for a couple of minutes for extra color.
While the meatballs bake, I cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water with food coloring to get that spooky look. Once cooked, I drain and toss it with olive oil.
I heat the marinara sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
To assemble, I twirl the spaghetti on plates, top each with a meatball, spoon sauce over, and slice one slightly to reveal the gooey cheese. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I like experimenting with different twists on this recipe:
Monster Meatballs: Add edible eyes on top for a funny, spooky touch.
Spider Spaghetti: Place olive halves as spider “legs” around the meatball.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based meat, vegan cheese, and an egg substitute.
Mini Meatballs: Make smaller versions for party appetizers or kids’ plates.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I plan to freeze them, I only freeze the cooked meatballs (not the spaghetti) for up to 1 month. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warm or microwave them gently to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
I can, but I prefer making my own so I can stuff them with cheese and control the flavor.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely. The dish tastes just as good without it — the coloring is purely for fun presentation.
What kind of cheese works best?
I like using fresh mozzarella because it melts perfectly and gives that stretchy cheese pull effect.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I’ve tried linguine and even black bean spaghetti, and both work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! I use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs when I want a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
I love how these Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs bring a mix of fun and flavor to my Halloween table. The cheesy center, savory meat, and spooky noodles make it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether I’m hosting a themed dinner or just adding a little festive flair to a weeknight meal, this dish never fails to impress. It’s Halloween comfort food at its best — creepy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
These Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a fun and festive Halloween twist on a classic comfort food. Juicy meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella are served over dyed spaghetti for a creepy, delicious dinner.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:3 to 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
6 cubes mozzarella cheese (½–1 inch each)
8 oz spaghetti noodles
Black or green food coloring (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Divide into 6 portions, flatten each, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Roll into sealed meatballs.
Place meatballs on the tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water with food coloring. Drain and toss with olive oil.
Warm marinara sauce with red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
To serve, twirl spaghetti onto plates, top with a meatball, spoon over sauce, and slice one meatball to show the melted cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
Add edible eyes to meatballs for a Halloween touch.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting effect.
Swap in black bean pasta or linguine for different textures.
