Description
When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs, I knew I had to give it a try. Halloween was just around the corner, and I was looking for something that would both shock and delight my family. I mean, who wouldn’t want to serve up some “eyeballs” for dinner? As I mixed and rolled the ingredients, the kitchen filled with laughter, especially when my kids peeked over my shoulder, eyes wide with curiosity. The result? A fun and spooky dish that not only tasted great but also became an instant family favorite. Whether it’s for a Halloween party or just a quirky dinner, these Olive-Stuffed Eyeballs are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (7 oz) green olives (pimento-stuffed or any variety you prefer)
- 1 jar (16 oz) marinara sauce (for dipping or pouring over the eyeballs)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your eyeballs cook evenly.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), cooked rice, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This is where you can really get in there and feel the texture—it’s a great stress reliever!
- Form the Eyeballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place an olive in the center and wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up. You should have around 20-25 eyeballs, depending on the size you make them.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the eyeballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Heat the Marinara Sauce: While the eyeballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. This will serve as a delicious dip or a sauce to pour over your eyeballs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the eyeballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300