Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground meat (combination of beef and chicken)
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (any variety or substitute with broth)
- 2 eggs (slightly beaten)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Chipotle Sauce
- 28 oz fire-roasted tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium/fat-free)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or regular dried oregano)
- 3 chipotles in adobo (chopped, add more for additional heat)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with foil and spray them lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, milk, beaten eggs, chili powder, garlic powder, and half of the salt and cumin (1/2 tsp each). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Prepare the Chipotle Sauce in Crockpot: Lightly spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. In the crockpot, stir together the fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, chicken broth, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, and the remaining half teaspoon each of salt and cumin.
- Add Meatballs and Cook: Carefully add the baked meatballs into the crockpot containing the chipotle sauce. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender and infused with spicy smoky sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Before serving, stir chopped fresh cilantro into the crockpot for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve the meatballs hot, ideal over rice, noodles, or with warm tortillas.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with all beef, all chicken, or even turkey depending on your preference.
- Adjust the number of chipotles in adobo peppers according to your desired spice level.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- To save time, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
- This recipe freezes well; store cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
