Southwest Meatballs
Juicy Southwest meatballs bursting with bold chili and taco flavors, topped with fresh tomatoes and cheese. Perfect for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal with a Mexican twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add diced onion and chili powder; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender and well coated with chili powder. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Spoon the cooked onion into a large bowl.
- Wipe out the skillet.
- Add ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and salt to the onion in the bowl, and blend well using a hand or wooden spoon.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and cook about 12 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Stir in taco sauce and chopped tomatoes, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Make sure to let the cooked onion cool before mixing to avoid cooking the egg in the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of shredded lettuce and top with grated Monterey Jack cheese for a fresh crunch. They pair wonderfully with a side of corn on the cob or Mexican rice. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside Texas Taco or Fiesta Mexican Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of taco sauce to keep them moist, or microwave them on medium power in a covered dish until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Meatballs contains roughly 1400 calories, with 34g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% 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 freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of taco sauce?
If you don't have taco sauce, you can use salsa or enchilada sauce as a substitute. This will add a different flavor profile, but it will still complement the meatballs well.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just remember to cook them thoroughly before serving.
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).