Name: Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

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Introduction

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, cheesy meatballs with a hint of heat from jalapeños and smoky spices. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, they bring a tasty twist to classic meatballs with a zesty tomato sauce.

The image shows a white bowl filled with seven grilled meatballs stacked on top of each other. The meatballs are shiny with a dark brown grilled texture and are covered with a sticky glaze. They are garnished with small green herb leaves, chopped green onions, and thin slices of red chili, adding a fresh green and red touch to the dish. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
Step 3: Add shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Pour in the beaten egg and mix well to bind the ingredients together.
Step 5: Use your hands to form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, making sure they are compact and uniform.
Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies evenly over the seared meatballs, ensuring they are partially submerged.
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 9: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier cheesy flavor.
Serve with warm tortillas or over rice to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with seven meatballs arranged closely together. Each meatball is topped with melted yellow cheese, red chili slices, and fresh green cilantro leaves. Around the meatballs, there are small pieces of purple onion scattered, and lime wedges are placed along the plate edges. The meatballs have a textured, browned crust that contrasts with the smooth melted cheese on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Can I bake the meatballs without searing first?

While searing adds flavor and texture, you can skip it and bake the meatballs directly. Just increase baking time slightly and keep an eye to avoid drying out.