Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs Recipe

Mexican meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, infused with the bold, zesty tastes of Mexican cuisine. These meatballs are a combination of ground meat, spices, and a medley of ingredients like jalapeños, cilantro, and cotija cheese, baked to perfection for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Preparation: Baking these meatballs makes them easy and mess-free, avoiding stovetop splatter.
2. Mexican Flair: With spices like cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, these meatballs are bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors.
3. Healthy Option: Baking uses less oil compared to frying, making this a healthier alternative.
4. Versatile Dish: Serve them with rice, stuff them in tortillas, or enjoy as a protein-packed snack.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cotija cheese, and spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper).
3. Incorporate Meat and Breadcrumbs: Add the ground beef and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Using clean hands or a spatula, mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

1. Shape: Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into uniform balls.
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the enchilada sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
2. Simmer: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt or additional spices if needed.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Toss in Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to the saucepan with the enchilada sauce. Toss gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish

• Serve the meatballs over a bed of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with a simple side salad and roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.

Appetizer

• Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of sauce for dipping.

Taco Night

• Stuff the meatballs into soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of crema or sour cream.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat mixture can result in dense, tough meatballs.
2. Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized meatballs, which will cook more consistently.
3. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder based on your heat preference.
4. Cheese Substitution: If cotija isn’t available, feta or Parmesan can be used for a similar salty flavor.

Variations

1. Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
2. Cheese-Stuffed: Add a small cube of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
3. Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or omit them entirely for a keto-friendly option.
4. Spicy Sauce: Mix hot sauce or sriracha into the enchilada sauce for extra kick.

Conclusion

These Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs are a flavorful, versatile, and convenient recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices and baked for a healthier approach, these meatballs are ideal for any occasion.

Yield: 4

Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs Recipe

Print

Mexican meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, infused with the bold, zesty tastes of Mexican cuisine. These meatballs are a combination of ground meat, spices, and a medley of ingredients like jalapeños, cilantro, and cotija cheese, baked to perfection for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• For the Sauce (Optional)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)
• ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper).
2. Add chopped cilantro if using. Mix until just combined (avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender).

3. Form the Meatballs

1. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into balls.
2. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

4. Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C for beef or 165°F/75°C for turkey).

5. Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

1. While the meatballs bake, heat the salsa and crushed tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the chili powder and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the meatballs as is, or toss them in the warm sauce before serving.
2. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or crumbled queso fresco if desired.

Notes

Taco Night: Use the meatballs in tacos with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, and cheese.

Rice Bowls: Serve over cilantro lime rice with black beans and guacamole.

Appetizer: Skewer with toothpicks and serve with a creamy chipotle dipping sauce.