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Eyeball Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Eyeball meatballs are a quirky, visually striking dish that combines tender ground beef with chewy, fresh eyeballs for a surreal texture. Baked until golden and served in a bold, spicy tomato sauce, these meatballs deliver a satisfying mix of crunch, chewiness, and savory richness. The result is a playful, slightly gross but deliciously comforting dish perfect for themed parties or adventurous dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef preferably lean
  • 4 pieces eyeballs fresh, slightly cloudy, firm
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 400 g spicy tomato sauce for serving
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing and finishing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Cooking thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together gently until well incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep the meat tender.
  3. Carefully place each eyeball into the meat mixture, gently pressing them in without breaking apart, so they stay whole and give that eerie, rubbery look.
  4. Shape the mixture into small, round balls about the size of a golf ball, ensuring the eyeballs are centered inside each one. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are puffed, golden brown, and slightly crispy on the outside.
  6. While the meatballs bake, heat the spicy tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly and becomes vibrant and bubbling.
  7. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes, which helps settle their juices and makes handling easier.
  8. In a small skillet or with a brush, drizzle olive oil over the baked meatballs and briefly sear them in a hot pan until lightly browned and shimmering.
  9. Serve the eyeball meatballs hot, generously coated with the spicy tomato sauce, and enjoy their creepy, chewy textures and savory flavors.

Notes

Ensure eyeballs are fresh and properly cleaned to avoid off-flavors. Handle them gently to maintain their eerie shape. Adjust spice levels in the sauce to taste for a milder or hotter kick.