Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, packed with bold spices and a cheesy crunch. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main dish, they bring a touch of heat and zest to any meal.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
• Fresh lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the mixture, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well. The egg will help bind the ingredients together.
5. Step 5: Using your hands, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
6. Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
7. Step 7: Add the meatballs to the skillet, searing them until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs in the skillet.
9. Step 9: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
10. Step 10: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce to customize the flavor.
• Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking. For best results, cook them within 24 hours of forming.

What can I serve with these spicy meatballs?

They pair well with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh green salad. The lime wedges add a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

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5 from 91 reviews

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, juicy ground beef meatballs infused with traditional Mexican spices, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and melted cheddar cheese. Searing the meatballs before baking them in a zesty Mexican-style tomato sauce creates a delightful dish perfect for a bold and comforting meal, garnished with fresh lime wedges for an added tangy freshness.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
3. Add Cheese and Chips: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips thoroughly into the meat mixture for texture and flavor.
4. Bind with Egg: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well. This acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
5. Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
6. Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. This locking in juices and flavor.
7. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs directly in the skillet, coating them nicely.
8. Bake Meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
9. Serve: Serve the spicy Mexican donkey balls hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish that complements the bold flavors.

Notes

• If you prefer milder spice, reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper.
• Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to sear and bake the meatballs without transferring to another dish.
• Crushed tortilla chips add a nice texture; you can substitute with breadcrumbs if preferred.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Mexican meatballs, spicy meatballs, ground beef recipe, baked meatballs, Mexican cuisine