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Halloween Baked Monster Eyes
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These Tex-Mex "Monster Eyes" are a fun and festive Halloween treat that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
2 reviews
ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
2 tablespoons ice water
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 cup sour cream
16 whole black olives, sliced in half
taco sauce
directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine the raw ground beef, taco seasoning mix, and ice water in a bowl. Mix until well blended. Press the beef mixture in the bottom and up the sides of the cups of a miniature muffin tin.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beef, patting it so it adheres to the meat. Repeat with the crushed tortilla chips.
Place a large dollop of sour cream in each meat cup. Place an olive, cut side up, in the center to make the pupils. Carefully spoon taco sauce inside the olives.
Place the monster eyes in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes or until the ground beef is cooked.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the monster eyes sit for 2-3 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve hot.
recipe tips
For an extra kick, add diced jalapenos to the beef mixture.
Add spices like cumin or coriander to the meat mixture for added flavor.
Use cooking spray on the muffin tin to make removal easier.
If you want to add more vegetables, consider mixing in some finely chopped bell peppers or onions with the beef.
To make the monster eyes more festive, add edible googly eyes on top before serving to give them a spooky look.
Try using different types of olives for variety, like green olives or even stuffed olives for a twist.
common recipe questions
What are "Monster Eyes"?
"Monster Eyes" are a fun Tex-Mex treat made from ground beef, cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and black olives, designed to resemble eyeballs, making them festive for Halloween.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
What is the purpose of adding ice water to the beef mixture?
Ice water keeps the ground beef cool while mixing, which helps maintain its texture and keeps the meat from becoming too dense during cooking.
What kind of cheese can I substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Can I use a different kind of chip instead of tortilla chips?
You could use nacho chips, corn chips, pita chips, or any crunchy chip you prefer, but keep in mind this can alter the flavor slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the Monster Eyes?
It's best to freeze them before baking. Assemble them in a muffin tin, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I reheat leftover Monster Eyes?
Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I prepare these Monster Eyes ahead of time?
You can prepare and assemble them a few hours in advance. Just cover them in the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
What if I don't have a miniature muffin tin?
If you don't have a miniature muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin but make larger "monster eyes." You can also shape them into freeform "eyes" on a baking sheet.
tools needed
Miniature Muffin Tin: For shaping and baking the beef mixture into small cups, which will hold the layers of cheese, sour cream, and olives.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the ground beef, taco seasoning mix, and ice water.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the taco seasoning mix, ice water, cheese, tortilla chip crumbs, and sour cream.
Spoon or spatula: Used for mixing the ingredients in the bowl and for dolloping the sour cream into each meat cup.
Grater (optional): If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, a grater will be needed to shred the cheese.
what goes with it?
Ghostbuster: This Halloween cocktail brings a playful spirit to your gathering, making it a perfect match for the Tex-Mex Monster Eyes.
Mummy Dogs: Serving mummy dogs alongside Monster Eyes creates a balanced plate with flavors that work well together. The mild, meaty taste of the hot dogs pairs nicely with the spicy notes of the taco seasoning in the Monster Eyes.
Halloween Cut-Out Cookies: Pairing these halloween cut-out cookies with Tex-Mex Monster Eyes creates a playful dining experience, perfect for a Halloween gathering.
nutrition data
75 calories, 6 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
November 1, 2013
Loved these! They are really good tasting but also perfect for halloween. @Rsamsal, you are only cooking them for 10 minutes so the sour cream cooks just fine and doesn't curdle. It is a little tricky to get the taco sauce inside the olive so I put it in a old-style ketchup bottle to put it in and that made it easier. You could also use cut up pimientos and stuff the black olives with them.
October 27, 2012
I have made these on several occasions for my family and they absolutely LOVE them! I have even used the recipe to make a meatloaf for non-Halloween dinners. The only thing I changed was to add the sour cream and olive after baking...I have never baked sour cream this way and am kind of a chicken I guess. Maybe some day I will be brave enough to do as the recipe says.