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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 35 reviews

These Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, cheesy meatballs with a spicy kick, perfect for adding fun and zest to your dinner table. Made with a blend of ground beef, fresh spices, and baked in a rich tomato sauce, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium Chopped Onion (provides sweetness and moisture)
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro (omit if not preferred)
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Pepper (adjust based on spice tolerance)
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic (or garlic powder if in a pinch)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (no substitutions recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder (mix for customized heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (can swap with regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips (breadcrumbs can be substituted)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten) (a flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes with Green Chilies (use diced tomatoes with hot sauce as a substitute)
  • 1 lime Fresh Lime Wedges (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Cheese and Chips: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  4. Bind Mixture: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to bind.
  5. Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Sear Meatballs: In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning until golden brown.
  7. Add Tomatoes: Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes over the browned meatballs.
  8. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh lime wedges.

Notes

  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
  • Flax egg can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • Breadcrumbs can substitute for crushed tortilla chips.
  • Diced tomatoes with hot sauce can replace Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies.

Keywords: Spicy Mexican meatballs, baked meatballs recipe, cheesy meatballs, Mexican dinner ideas, ground beef recipes

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