Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet)
Sauce and Topping
- 19 ounce can red enchilada sauce (one can)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
Garnish (optional)
- Cilantro
- Pico de Gallo
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (177˚C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, milk, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and taco seasoning. Use your hands to thoroughly and evenly mix all the ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch diameter meatballs, aiming to make about 24 to 26 meatballs in total for consistent cooking and serving sizes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a large casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs evenly in the casserole dish, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce uniformly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly to cover the meatballs.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and top with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the meatballs are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
- Use full-fat shredded cheese for a richer taste or Mexican blend for authentic flavor.
- Customize garnishes to your preference or omit them for a simpler dish.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican