"Hot" Meat Balls
Juicy meatballs simmered in flavorful enchilada and tomato sauces, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for casual gatherings or family dinners. Spicy, savory, and easy to serve with toothpicks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck, hot enchilada sauce, cornbread crumbs, and salt well. Roll into small (nickel-sized) balls.
- Bake in an ovened edged pan at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Heat the remaining enchilada sauce and tomato sauce separately.
- Pour the heated sauces over the drained meatballs in a casserole dish.
- Heat until ready to serve. Can be served with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies to the meat mixture. If you want to reduce the heat, substitute mild enchilada sauce or use regular breadcrumbs instead of cornbread crumbs. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the taste. Ensure your meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or with tortillas. Pair them with sides like Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Sassy Salsa for an added kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Hot" Meat Balls contains roughly 141 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they're coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are versatile! Serve them with a side of cornbread, a fresh salad, or alongside 100 Tamales for a festive meal. They also go well with various dips, such as My Favorite Salsa.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! After baking, let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).