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–+ servings
Donkey Balls

Spicy Donkey Balls: Your New Favorite Comfort Food!

These Spicy Donkey Balls are a delightful twist on the classic meatball, packed with Mexican flavors and creamy cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 Chopped Onion yellow or white onion works well
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro can swap with parsley
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper adjust quantity for milder flavor
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic fresh garlic recommended
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder vary amount for desired spiciness
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese can use pepper jack
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips use store-bought or homemade
  • 1 Beaten Egg
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil for searing the meatballs
  • 1 can Mexican-style Tomatoes with Green Chilies or plain canned tomatoes with spices
For Serving
  • 2 Fresh Lime Wedges for serving

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl

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, jalapeño, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  3. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and crushed tortilla chips into the meat mixture.
  4. Crack the beaten egg into the mixture and stir until well combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, around 12-15 meatballs total.
  6. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear them for about 5 minutes.
  7. Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from oven and serve hot on a platter garnished with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep ground beef moist by mixing ingredients gently; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality.

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