Description
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, juicy beef meatballs packed with bold Mexican spices, fresh cilantro, and a hint of heat from jalapeños. These meatballs are seared to perfection, then baked in a zesty tomato and green chili sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish served with fresh lime wedges.
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 and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, finely chopped jalapeño (with seeds removed for less heat), minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips into the seasoned meat mixture to add texture and flavor.
- Mix in Egg: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to help bind the meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them until browned evenly on all sides, about 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs, covering them in the flavorful sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with meatballs and sauce to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has melded with the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
- To adjust spiciness, include or omit jalapeño seeds according to preference.
- Ensure even browning by turning meatballs carefully during searing.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican meatballs, spicy meatballs, baked meatballs, Mexican recipe, ground beef meatballs, jalapeño meatballs
