Save Spooky yet irresistible these mummy meatballs are always the first thing that disappears at our Halloween gatherings. Juicy beef meatballs get dressed up with noodle bandages and a splash of marinara for a festive centerpiece that delights kids and grown-ups alike.
One night I whipped up these mummy meatballs on a whim for my neighborhood’s October block party and everyone loved them. They are now my go-to every autumn the joy on kids’ faces makes the extra steps totally worth it.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides juicy texture and classic meatball flavor look for a fresh 80 percent lean blend for best results
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture while soaking up moisture choose plain or Italian style for added oomph
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty nutty depth freshly grated melts well and tastes brighter
- Large egg: Helps hold everything together use at room temperature for easier mixing
- Minced garlic: Delivers savory aroma and more flavor chop finely to avoid harsh bites
- Small onion: Brings moisture sweetness and heartiness dice as small as possible so it blends in
- Milk: Keeps meatballs tender and soft whole milk works best for richness
- Chopped parsley: Brightens the mix and looks festive try fresh leaves over dried
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors use kosher or sea salt for best punch
- Black pepper: Offers mild heat and balance to the beef grind it fresh for bold flavor
- Dried oregano: Imparts a warm earthy touch choose high-quality dried for a classic Italian vibe
- Fettuccine or linguine: Used for mummy bandages fettuccine gives wide strips linguine makes skinny wraps opt for bronze-cut pasta for a rustic look
- Marinara sauce: The saucy base amp up flavor with a good-quality jar or homemade rich tomato sauce
- Candy eyes or sliced black olives: Brings spooky personality to each mummy edible candy eyes are a hit or go savory with sliced olives
- Olive oil: Helps noodles stay glossy and easy to handle go for extra virgin for maximum flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of well-salted water. Add pasta and stir gently so strands cook evenly. Cook just until al dente which prevents mushy wrapping. Drain in a colander and toss lightly with olive oil to keep noodles from sticking together.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In the largest bowl you have combine ground beef breadcrumbs Parmesan egg minced garlic onion milk parsley salt pepper and oregano. Use clean hands or a fork to mix gently stopping as soon as ingredients are evenly incorporated. Over-mixing can make meatballs tough.
- Shape and Bake the Meatballs:
- Divide the mixture into 16 even heaps. Roll each into a ball between your palms pressing gently so they hold their shape but stay light. Place on lined baking sheet spaced an inch apart. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius until browned and cooked through about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before moving to next step.
- Wrap the Meatballs to Make Mummies:
- Reduce oven heat to 180 degrees Celsius. Take a few pasta strands and wind them around each baked meatball crisscrossing in different directions and leaving gaps for future eyes. The noodles should hug but not smother the meatball center.
- Arrange with Sauce and Bake Again:
- Arrange all wrapped meatballs in a baking dish. Ladle marinara sauce around the mummies but avoid covering their tops this keeps the “bandages” visible. Bake 10 minutes until everything is hot through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Decorate with Eyes and Serve:
- Once baked let cool a minute and then place candy eyes or olive slices into the noodle gaps for that signature mummy stare. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dunking and lots of napkins.
Save My favorite part is adding the candy eyes my youngest always insists hers have three for extra “spook” On Halloween night we set them on a platter and giggle as guests try to pick the scariest one I love that everyone wants seconds even after tons of sweets
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave and add fresh eyes after warming. Wrapped meatballs get softer but are still tasty.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or pork works well instead of beef just keep an eye on cook time as turkey dries out faster. Gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs work perfectly for those with sensitivities. Skip the cheese for a dairy-free version but consider adding a pinch more herbs for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Set your mummy meatballs on a bed of spinach or arugula to mimic a “graveyard” or place them in cupcake liners for easy party serving. Offer extra marinara or a creamy dipping sauce.
Cultural and Historical Context
Meatballs wrapped in noodles are a playful nod to Halloween’s tradition of dressing up everyday foods in disguise The technique draws from classic Italian-American comfort but gives it a whimsical twist for October festivities.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch out marinara for a pumpkin cream sauce for autumn flavor Add chopped roasted peppers to your meatball mix for color Make larger mummies for main course or smaller ones for snacks
Success Stories
Reader feedback often highlights how much kids love wrapping and adding eyes to the meatballs It is a brilliant project for little hands and gets everyone involved. Last year my daughter’s classroom made these and each child took home a “pet” mummy to show off.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make and bake meatballs ahead cool and store in a freezer container up to two months. Thaw overnight then wrap with noodles before baking with sauce for fresher results Candy eyes go on just before serving.
Save Serve these little mummies warm and watch them disappear soon after hitting the table. They’re spooky enough for Halloween and delicious enough for any autumn get-together.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other types of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or chicken to suit your preference.
- → What pasta works best for wrapping?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as their flat, long shape mimics mummy bandages well.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to create a version suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- → Are candy eyes necessary for decoration?
No, you can use sliced olives or omit the eyes for a simple presentation.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare meatballs and pasta beforehand, assemble just before baking for best results.
- → How do I keep pasta from sticking?
Toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil before wrapping the meatballs to prevent sticking and clumping.