Description
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful ground beef meatballs infused with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a kick of jalapeño. Searing the meatballs before baking them in a zesty Mexican-style tomato and green chili sauce creates a deliciously tender and spicy dish perfect for a hearty appetizer or main course.
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 in the final step.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips thoroughly to add texture and flavor.
- Bind Mixture: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to bind all ingredients securely together.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Heat Oil and Sear: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs and sear, browning evenly on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour the canned Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs in the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
- Bake Meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges to add a zesty freshness to the dish.
Notes
- Removing seeds from the jalapeño reduces heat but keeps flavor; adjust based on spice preference.
- Using an ovenproof skillet allows seamless stovetop to oven cooking, simplifying the process.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking throughout.
- Serve with lime wedges to enhance the bright, zesty flavors of the dish.
- The crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch and help bind the meatballs without using breadcrumbs.
