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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, fresh herbs, jalapeño, and a blend of Mexican spices. They are seared for a rich crust and then baked in a zesty Mexican-style tomato sauce with green chilies. Perfectly cheesy and crunchy inside thanks to cheddar and crushed tortilla chips, these meatballs deliver a spicy, savory punch ideal for a hearty appetizer or main dish.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce & Garnish

  • 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. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
  3. Add Cheese and Chips: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution for texture and flavor.
  4. Bind the Meatballs: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture, mixing well. The egg acts as a binder to help keep the meatballs together during cooking.
  5. Shape Meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, making sure they are compact and uniform for even cooking.
  6. Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes, to develop flavor and texture.
  7. Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies evenly over the seared meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce.
  8. Bake Meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for an optional zesty squeeze that brightens the flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure to deseed the jalapeño to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to sear and bake the meatballs in the same dish, reducing cleanup.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (160°F or 71°C for ground beef).
  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice to the meat mixture before shaping the meatballs.
  • Serve with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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