Mexican Meatball Casserole
A flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole featuring seasoned meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon (if desired) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Bisquick baking mix ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Mix ground beef, chopped hard-cooked eggs, 1/4 cup chopped onion, snipped parsley, cinnamon (if desired), 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in an ungreased baking dish measuring 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the meatballs are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also add shredded cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor. If you don't have Bisquick, a homemade baking mix can be made using flour, baking powder, and salt. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, consider adding some taco seasoning or jalapeños for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Meatball Casserole with a side of warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal. A fresh salad or guacamole pairs well for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Warm Tomato Taco Dip for a delightful combination that enhances the flavors of your casserole.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Meatball Casserole contains roughly 1547 calories, with 51g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (273% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1148mg per serving (50% 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 freeze the Mexican Meatball Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If frozen after baking, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used in place of ground beef. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side or incorporate some diced green chilies for extra spice. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!
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).