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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls: Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a delightful fusion of beef and cheddar, packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion yellow or white onions work best
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or substitute with parsley
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Pepper adjust based on spice preference
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; fresh garlic is preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or sweet paprika for less heat
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or substitute pepper jack
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips can substitute with breadcrumbs
  • 1 large Egg beaten; can substitute with aquafaba
For the Sauce and Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or substitute with avocado or canola oil
  • 1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 1 lime Fresh Lime Wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips until just incorporated.
  4. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, aiming for uniform size.
  6. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides.
  7. Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes over the meatballs, creating a sauce base.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Mix gently to avoid tough meatballs and ensure uniform sizes for consistent cooking. Adjust spice levels based on personal preference.

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