Go Back
–+ servings
Delicious Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls served in a vibrant dish with garnishes
Callie Brooks

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls

Bold and flavorful meatballs infused with Mexican spices, jalapeños, and cheese, served in a bright tomato sauce for a festive meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball mixture
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or pork.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 piece jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped Leave seeds for more heat.
  • 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 Adds crunch and helps absorb juices.
  • 1 piece egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing.
Tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
Garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  3. Add shredded cheddar and crushed tortilla chips to the bowl and fold them into the meat mixture.
  4. Pour in the beaten egg and mix until the mixture holds together.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs using your hands.
Cooking
  1. 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).
  2. Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
  4. Remove from oven, let rest for 3 minutes, then serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Notes

These meatballs pair excellently with warm tortillas, rice, or a side salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!