Tex-Mex Meatballs – These Tex-Mex Meatballs are the perfect fusion of Mexican and American cuisine. They are juicy, spicy, and cheesy, making them a crowd-pleaser at any party or a comforting dinner meal. The combination of jalapeño, chipotle in adobo sauce, and shredded Mexican cheese blend gives these meatballs a delicious kick. You’ll love how easy and quick they are to make, and your guests will be impressed by the bold flavors.
Whenever my husband and I want to spice things up for dinner, we always turn to these Tex-Mex Meatballs. I remember the first time I made them for my little family, my husband couldn’t stop raving about how amazing they tasted. He loved the spicy kick from the jalapeño and chipotle in adobo, and the gooey melted cheese on top made it even more irresistible. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and I always make a double batch to ensure we have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Why This Tex-Mex Meatballs Recipe is a Must-Try?
This Tex-Mex Meatballs recipe is a must-try because it offers a unique and delicious twist on classic meatballs. The combination of ground beef, Mexican cheese blend, jalapeño, and chipotle in adobo sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. These meatballs are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making it a quick and effortless recipe to put together.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef (680 g)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (200 g)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (40 g)
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 (15-oz.) can crushed tomatoes (425 g)
- 2 tbsp. chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup of cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, egg, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined, then form into meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add meatballs in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring, until soft, for about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chipotle in adobo and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Top with remaining 1 cup cheese, then cover with a lid to let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes:
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, you can add more jalapeno or chipotle in adobo sauce.
- These meatballs freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them in the freezer for later.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead.
Tex-Mex Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs. The combination of ground beef, Mexican cheese blend, and spices like cumin and chipotle in adobo sauce creates a savory and slightly spicy dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. These meatballs are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. Serve them over rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef if you prefer.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking them.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese if you prefer, but it will change the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are great served over rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or chipotle in adobo sauce. If you want it spicier, you can add more of these ingredients.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, but the texture of the sauce will be different.
Tex-Mex Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 680 g
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided (200 g)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 40 g
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large onion chopped
- 1 15-oz. can crushed tomatoes (425 g)
- 2 tbsp. chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup of cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, egg, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined, then form into meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add meatballs in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring, until soft, for about 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chipotle in adobo and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Top with remaining 1 cup cheese, then cover with a lid to let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Leave a Reply