Mexican Donkey Balls recipe comes together in about 45 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your heart and your belly!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: Feel free to use turkey or beef alternatives as a healthier option!
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: I like yellow for sweetness, but any onion will do!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: It adds a lovely fresh bite. If you’re not a fan, skip it!
- 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped: For that perfect spicy kick! Adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This is the secret spice that gives these meatballs a warm flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Extra flavor that makes these balls oh-so-good!
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that’s simply divine.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: A couple pinches of salt and pepper can elevate any dish!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheesy goodness is a must!
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips: Adds crunch and a fun twist that your kids will adore.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the meatballs.
- 1 can (15 ounces) Mexican style tomatoes with green chilies: This saucy goodness is the perfect base.
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish: A squeeze of lime adds brightness!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows everything to cook evenly before we put the meatballs in.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be afraid to mix with your hands, it’s fun!
Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips, mixing everything together until well combined. Honestly, this mix smells heavenly already!
Pour in the beaten egg and get in there, mixing well until the whole mixture holds together nicely. It should be slightly sticky. This means we’re on the right track!
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions using your hands. Trust me; this is a great way to unleash any stress from your day!
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot (but not smoking!), carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, turning them to brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. The sizzle will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Pour the Mexican style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs. Don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom; that’s where all the flavor is!
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for an extra kick whenever you bite in. Seriously, don’t skip the lime, it’s the cherry on top!
Like the time I forgot to buy cheese before a dinner party, and I ended up using feta instead… it turned out even better than I expected, making it a hit with my friends!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Chili Stuffed Casserole or my Beef and Cheese Chimichangas!
Why These Mexican Donkey Balls Work
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll be surprised how something so simple can pack such a punch in terms of flavor!
One-Pot Meal
Everything cooks in one skillet! Minimal cleanup required means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes. It’s a win-win!
Family-Friendly
The whole family will love this! My picky eater devoured them without any fuss. Honestly, if you have kids or friends over, these will be the star of the night!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have lying around. Swap out the meat for a different protein or add in some veggies you’re trying to use up. The possibilities are endless!
Comfort Food
These spicy Mexican donkey balls are loaded with tons of flavor and are incredibly satisfying. They hit all the right notes of cheesy, spicy, and meaty goodness.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These spicy Mexican donkey balls are great on their own but also pair beautifully with:
- A fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Rice or quinoa for a side that fills you up.
- Warm tortillas for wrapping if you want to make an exciting meal out of it.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, these taste even better the next day!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing, layer them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
And there you have it, your new favorite go-to recipe for Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls, sure to delight your family and friends. With all the comfort food vibes you can imagine, you’re going to want to make these again and again! Enjoy and share this delicious explosion of flavor. Your table will thank you!
This is it, your kitchen adventure awaits! Trust me, everyone will be begging for seconds. So gather those ingredients and get cooking! You won’t regret it. And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A quick and easy one-pot meal that delivers tons of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. These spicy meatballs are customizable and family-friendly, capturing the comfort food vibes we all love.
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 black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) Mexican style tomatoes with green chilies
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips, mixing until well combined.
- Pour in the beaten egg and mix well until the mixture holds together.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized portions.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the Mexican style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
These meatballs can be customized with various ingredients. Great for using up leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg