Description
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, juicy meatballs made with ground beef, fresh herbs, spices, and cheese, baked in a zesty Mexican-style tomato sauce. Perfect as a bold appetizer or main dish with a kick of jalapeño and cilantro freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 egg, beaten
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your meatballs evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your meatballs.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips thoroughly to add texture and a cheesy, crunchy element to the meatballs.
- Bind with Egg: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well, which will help the meatballs hold together during cooking.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs for even cooking and bite-sized portions.
- Heat Oil and Sear: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes, to develop a savory crust and seal in juices.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs in the skillet, creating a spicy, flavorful sauce base.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for an added zesty and fresh flavor boost.
Notes
- Deseeding the jalapeño reduces heat for milder taste; keep seeds for extra spice.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
- Can be served with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
