Tex Mex Meatballs Recipe

This savory Tex Mex Meatballs recipe is made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, and fresh onion for an incredible depth of flavor. This recipe creates tender, juicy meatballs coated in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, making it a perfect main course. It’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight family dinner or a fun party appetizer and serves about 4 to 6 people.

Tex Mex Meatballs Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

How To Make Tex Mex Meatballs

1. Combine the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Form the meatballs: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 16-20 meatballs.
3. Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear them for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Start the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to the same skillet. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Simmer the meatballs: Gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mix the meatball ingredients with your hands only until they are combined. Overworking the ground beef can result in tough, dense meatballs instead of tender ones.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly into the meat.
• Sear for Flavor: Searing the meatballs before simmering them is a crucial step. This process creates a delicious brown crust that adds a deep, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce.
• Simmer for Tenderness: Letting the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce not only ensures they are cooked through but also allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making them extra juicy and delicious.

What To Serve Meatballs

These Tex Mex Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. They are also perfect spooned into warm tortillas for a fun taco night, or served on top of nachos with extra cheese and jalapeños. For a lighter meal, pair them with a simple cilantro-lime slaw or a fresh green salad.

How To Store Meatballs Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freeze: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tex Mex Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey may result in a slightly drier meatball, so be extra careful not to overcook them.
• How can I make these meatballs gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the plain breadcrumbs. Ensure all your other packaged ingredients, like chili powder, are certified gluten-free.
• Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing them? Absolutely. To bake them, place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and nearly cooked through. Then, add them to the simmering sauce to finish cooking.
• Are these meatballs spicy? This recipe has a mild, savory heat from the chili powder. If you prefer more spice, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the meatball mixture.

Try More Recipes:

• Tex-Mex Sausage Balls Recipe
• Tex-Mex Shrimp and Grits Recipe
• Texas Baked Bean Dip Recipe