Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a flavorful and fun dish that adds a punch to your meal. The combination of ground beef, spices, and cheese creates a delicious bite, while the jalapeño gives it a spicy kick. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone.
How to Make Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the mixture, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
- Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well. The egg will help bind the ingredients together.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, searing them until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
Serve these spicy meatballs on a platter at your next get-together. You might also want to place extra lime wedges or sour cream nearby for dipping. They are great with some fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. Enjoy them with tortilla chips as a delicious appetizer or as part of a hearty meal.
How to Store Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
Leftover Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispy.
Tips to Make Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño.
- For extra flavor, try adding other spices like paprika or even some taco seasoning.
- If you prefer a cheesier meatball, mix in more cheddar or try a different type of cheese.
Variation
You can make these meatballs with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add black beans or corn to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just place them in a freezer-safe container and they will stay good for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
2. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs go great with rice, tortillas, or even in a sandwich. They can also be added to tacos for a spicy twist.
3. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based ground meat. Adjust the spices to your preference for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Additional cilantro for garnish.
- 1 piece jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped Adjust quantity to taste for spiciness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to increase for cheesier meatballs.
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 piece egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the meatballs.
- 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
- for garnish Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the mixture, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
- Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to bind the ingredients together.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, searing them until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
