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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls: Your New Go-To Cheesy Delight

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are cheesy meatballs filled with ground beef and gooey cheddar, perfect for appetizers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Introduces a fresh, herbal note
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Pepper Deseed for less heat
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Enhances overall flavor
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Contributes warm, earthy flavors
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Provides spice
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds a smoky touch
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Center
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Gooey core
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Adds crispy texture
  • 1 large Beaten Egg Acts as a binder
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For searing
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes with Green Chilies Flavorful sauce base
  • 1 lime Fresh Lime Wedges For garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • ovenproof skillet
  • Oven
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Mix until well incorporated.
  4. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and blend it in thoroughly.
  5. Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing them for about 5 minutes, turning until browned.
  7. Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs in the skillet.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture for light, tender bites. Serve fresh for best texture.

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