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Cheesy Mexican Meatballs Recipe

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4.2 from 58 reviews

Cheesy Mexican Meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish featuring ground beef mixed with spices and oats, baked in red enchilada sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender meatballs with rich Mexican-inspired flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs)

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, divided (mild recommended)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 cup oats (coarsely ground)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Topping

  • 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack)
  • Cilantro for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Combine Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup of the red enchilada sauce with ground beef, coarsely ground oats, eggs, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and optional hot sauce. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients for an even mixture.
  3. Form and Arrange Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2 tablespoons in size using your hands or a medium cookie scoop. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish. They can be rustic in shape or perfectly round—both work well.
  4. Add Remaining Sauce and Bake Covered: Pour the remaining 7.75 ounces of enchilada sauce evenly over the meatballs. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover, Add Cheese, and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the meatballs, and return to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve the cheesy Mexican meatballs hot straight from the oven.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot enchilada sauce and by adding or omitting the optional hot sauce.
  • Grinding the oats coarsely helps them bind the meatballs without becoming too mushy.
  • The recipe yields a rustic texture for the meatballs, but you can roll them smooth if you prefer a more uniform appearance.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, beans, or a simple green salad.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/cheesy-mexican-meatballs-recipe/