If you’re ready to tantalize your taste buds with something bold, comforting, and downright addictive, then dive right into this Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe. Packed with vibrant flavors from fresh jalapeño, smoky spices, and melted cheddar cheese, these meatballs bring the best of Mexican-inspired comfort food to your table. Juicy, spicy, and with a little crisp from crushed tortilla chips, they’re sure to become an instant favorite whether you’re serving them for a cozy dinner or at your next fiesta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the ground beef providing hearty richness to the fresh cilantro and jalapeño adding a lively kick.
- 1 pound ground beef: The meaty base that holds everything together with juiciness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the spiciness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note essential to Mexican cooking.
- 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped: Adds the perfect amount of heat without overpowering.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Small but mighty, it infuses depth and a lovely aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers warmth and an earthiness that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Boosts the signature spicy-tangy flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky richness that elevates the meatballs beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To bring out all the fabulous flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness inside each meatball.
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips: Adds a delightful crunch and a bit of texture contrast.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the binding magic to keep those spicy rounds perfectly shaped.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing – gives a nice crust and locks in flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies: This saucy topper ties everything together with zesty, comforting heat.
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish: Adds a bright, citrusy pop just before serving.
How to Make Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready to finish cooking the meatballs perfectly after searing.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend creates the signature spicy and smoky flavor that defines the dish.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Tortilla Chips
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. The cheese introduces gooey goodness while the tortilla chips add that irresistible crunch inside the meatballs.
Step 4: Bind with Egg
Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and stir well. This step is key because the egg keeps all ingredients together, making those flavorful balls easy to shape and cook evenly.
Step 5: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized portions. Don’t be shy – forming uniform balls helps them cook through evenly and look enticing on the plate.
Step 6: Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step adds a savory crust that seals in juices and intensifies the flavor.
Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Bake
Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs right in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked fully and juicy inside.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Once baked, your spicy Mexican donkey balls are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot with a squeeze of fresh lime for an exciting, tangy contrast to the rich meatballs.
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lime wedges are an absolute must here. The acidity brightens the entire dish and complements the spicy, smoky flavor perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can also add lovely freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair these bold meatballs with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance out the heat. Warm corn tortillas make fantastic companions for scooping up these delicious bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the spicy Mexican donkey balls as an appetizer on toothpicks with a small bowl of extra tomato sauce for dipping. Or make a hearty meatball taco — piled high with avocado slices, fresh salsa, and a drizzle of crema.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover meatballs with sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for easy reheating and quick meals during busy days.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before reheating and enjoy the same fantastic flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Covering during reheating prevents drying out and keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
FAQs
Are donkey balls really used in this recipe?
This recipe uses ground beef meatballs and the name is playful and attention-grabbing. No actual donkey or donkey parts are involved, just deliciously seasoned beef.
Can I make these meatballs less spicy?
Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the jalapeño and adjust chili powder to your preferred heat level. The flavor remains rich and satisfying even with mild spice.
What if I don’t have crushed tortilla chips?
You can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for similar texture. Tortilla chips add flavor, but other crunch elements work great too.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives. Just keep in mind they may require a little extra seasoning or a bit more careful cooking to keep moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure all spices and canned tomatoes are free of gluten-containing additives. Always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a dish as dynamic and flavorful as the Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe. It’s fun, vibrant, and full of character, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to a deliciously bold meal. So grab these ingredients, gather your loved ones, and start cooking — you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 meatballs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, juicy meatballs packed with bold Mexican spices, melted cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips for texture. They’re seared to a golden brown on the stovetop and finished in the oven with a spicy tomato and green chili sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a main dish served with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 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
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs after searing.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Cheese and Chips: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips into the meat mixture, ensuring an even blend for added flavor and texture.
- Bind Mixture: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to help the meatballs hold together during cooking.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs that are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies evenly over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
- Bake Meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a bright, zesty kick.
Notes
- The crushed tortilla chips add texture and slight crunch; you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs if preferred.
- If you like extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring meatballs to another dish for baking.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs; ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
