Enchilada Meatballs

Enchilada Meatballs are a fun, flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, combining juicy, savory meatballs with all the bold flavors of enchilada sauce. The meatballs, made from ground beef or turkey, are seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, and then baked or fried to perfection. They’re smothered in a rich enchilada sauce and often topped with melted cheese for a deliciously gooey, comforting dish.

The first time I made Enchilada Meatballs, I was amazed by how the flavors of enchiladas came through in each bite, while the meatballs added a hearty, satisfying texture. The savory meatballs soaked up the rich, tangy enchilada sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. What I love most about these meatballs is how easy they are to make, and how you can customize them with different fillings, spices, or even a touch of heat from jalapeños. They’re great served with rice, on tacos, or with a side of Mexican-inspired veggies for a fun and satisfying meal!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Taco Tuesday
• Comfort food lovers
• Mexican food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Enchilada Meatballs will become a go-to dinner recipe:

• Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The rich enchilada sauce elevates the meatballs with a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
• Tender Meatballs: Made with a mix of ground beef and seasonings, these meatballs are juicy and full of flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melty cheese, each bite is indulgent and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group or bringing to a potluck or party.
• Kid-Friendly: The meatballs are bite-sized and covered in a mild, flavorful sauce, making them a hit with kids.
• Make-Ahead Option: The meatballs can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice level of the sauce to suit your taste by adding more or less chili powder.
• Budget-Friendly: A simple recipe using affordable ingredients, perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

the Enchilada Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup water

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the meatballs.
• Chili Powder: Adds depth of flavor and a mild heat to the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs, making them tender and moist.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, adding creaminess and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:

5. Cook the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are baked, place them in a baking dish and pour the enchilada sauce over the top.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meatballs.
8. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Enchilada Meatballs:

• With Spanish Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy Spanish rice for a complete meal.
• On Soft Flour Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a delicious taco-inspired dinner.
• With Guacamole: Pair with a side of creamy guacamole and tortilla chips.
• As Appetizers: Serve smaller meatballs as an appetizer at parties or potlucks.
• With Mexican Street Corn: Serve with charred corn on the cob for a festive touch.
• For Taco Night: Add these meatballs to your taco spread for a fun and unique twist.
• On a Salad: Serve over a fresh salad for a lighter, low-carb meal.
• With Sautéed Vegetables: Pair with sautéed peppers and onions for a colorful side.
• With Sour Cream and Salsa: Top with sour cream and salsa for extra flavor.
• As a Sandwich: Place the meatballs and sauce on a sandwich roll for a delicious meatball sub.

Additional Tips

• Make Meatballs Uniform in Size: For even cooking, ensure your meatballs are the same size.
• Use Lean Beef: If you prefer a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to double the enchilada sauce ingredients.
• Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for more heat.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Meatballs: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Meatballs: Use plant-based meat or beans to make vegetarian meatballs.
• Spicy Enchilada Meatballs: Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• BBQ Enchilada Meatballs: Replace the enchilada sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of cheese in the center of each meatball for a melty surprise.
• Green Chile Enchilada Meatballs: Use green enchilada sauce and green chilies for a variation on the classic.
• Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb meatball option.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs.
• Saucepan: To prepare the enchilada sauce.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are cooked to the right temperature.
• Tongs or Spoon: To easily transfer the meatballs to the sauce and cheese.
• Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the meatballs with the sauce and cheese.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
   Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding the enchilada sauce.
2. How long do leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag once frozen.
4. Can I use a store-bought enchilada sauce?
   Yes, feel free to use a store-bought sauce for convenience.
5. How can I make these meatballs spicier?
   Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat.
6. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and bake when ready to serve.
7. How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
   Be sure to mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly and avoid over-handling the mixture.
8. Can I make these meatballs with ground chicken?
   Yes, ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
9. What kind of cheese can I use?
   You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese you prefer.
10. Can I skip the cheese on top?
    Yes, but the cheese adds a rich and creamy layer that enhances the flavor.

Conclusion

Enchilada Meatballs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas. These meatballs are seasoned with classic enchilada spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion, then baked or fried until golden brown and juicy. Once cooked, they’re smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor, and topped with melted cheese.

These meatballs are perfect for serving with a side of rice, in tacos, or on their own with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro. You can also customize them by adding a bit of heat with jalapeños or spicing them up with a bit of hot sauce. They’re ideal for a fun dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer.

I can’t wait to see how your Enchilada Meatballs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!