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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, cheesy ground beef meatballs infused with jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, baked in a zesty Mexican-style tomato and green chili sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy heat and savory depth, ideal as a hearty appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 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

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. 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 and mix 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

  • Be sure to remove seeds from the jalapeño to control the heat level.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Crushed tortilla chips add texture and a mild crunch; substitute with breadcrumbs if unavailable.
  • Serving with fresh lime wedges adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the spicy flavors.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead, formed into meatballs, and refrigerated before cooking for convenience.

Keywords: Mexican meatballs, spicy meatballs, ground beef recipe, baked meatballs, jalapeño meatballs, spicy appetizer

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