Mexican Surprise Meatballs
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with Mexican Surprise Meatballs—a bold and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food! These juicy meatballs combine tender ground beef and pork with a medley of Mexican spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, offering a rich and zesty profile in every bite. But the real surprise lies inside: each meatball is stuffed with a gooey cube of cheddar cheese that melts to perfection as they simmer in a vibrant tomato and green chilies sauce. Quick and easy to make with just 20 minutes of prep time, these cheesy meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges for a tangy finish, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or a simple salad. Indulge in the perfect combination of spice, richness, and cheesy goodness wrapped in one irresistible meatball.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Ground pork
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 4 oz Cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 14 oz Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands until well blended.
Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap the meat mixture around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (do not overcrowd) and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir in the chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the meatballs and sauce before serving.
Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Mexican Surprise Meatballs!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
718 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.7 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 193 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 1227 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 737 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
