Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant and slightly golden, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir in dried basil if using, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
While the sauce cooks, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the meat mixture into small round balls, about 1 inch in diameter, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
Once baked, gently press a black olive or peppercorn into the center of each meatball to resemble an eyeball pupil.
Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce, gently stirring to coat them thoroughly and heat through for about 5 minutes.
Plate the hot pasta and top generously with the spooky meatballs, ensuring the eyeballs are visible and prominent.
Serve immediately, allowing everyone to marvel at the creepy, delicious eyeballs before digging in.
