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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/spicy-mexican-donkey-balls-recipe/