Description
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are savory, flavorful meatballs infused with bold Mexican spices, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and a hint of smoky paprika. These cheesy meatballs are seared to perfection on the stovetop and then baked in a spicy tomato and green chili sauce, delivering a zesty and satisfying dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to add flavor and texture to the mixture.
- Bind Mixture: Pour the beaten egg into the bowl and mix well to bind all ingredients firmly together.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs using your hands, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs evenly in the skillet.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Removing seeds from the jalapeño reduces heat; leave in seeds for a spicier dish.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring meatballs to another dish.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Crushed tortilla chips add a pleasant crunch and help absorb moisture.
- Adjust seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
