Description
These crunchy, savory meatballs combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, and spices for an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) 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 the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Pour in the beaten egg to bind the mixture together.
- Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving. For a different texture, consider using an air fryer or grilling instead of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg