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Enchilada Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 76 reviews

These Enchilada Meatballs combine the rich flavors of ground beef with classic Mexican spices, simmered in a savory enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal served over rice, they offer a delicious twist on traditional meatballs with a zesty, hearty sauce.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon grated onion
  • 2 cloves grated garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Topping

  • 1 (15 ounce) enchilada sauce
  • ½ cup low or no sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Greek yogurt, grated onion and garlic, fresh cilantro, salt, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until fully combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Use a scoop to portion out the meat mixture evenly. Roll each portion between your hands to form round meatballs. This recipe yields approximately 22-23 small meatballs (1 inch) or 11-12 larger meatballs (1½ to 2 inches).
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, fry the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove cooked meatballs and set aside, draining any excess grease.
  4. Remove Excess Grease: Carefully remove any remaining grease from the pan before proceeding to the next step to ensure a clean sauce.
  5. Prepare Sauce and Simmer Meatballs: Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet and whisk in the beef broth. Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Reduce heat to low.
  6. Add Cheese and Cook: Sprinkle grated cheese over the meatballs, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the meatballs are fully cooked.
  7. Serve: Serve the enchilada meatballs over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for a complete and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • You can make smaller or larger meatballs depending on your preference; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Using low or no sodium beef broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
  • The cheese can be substituted with your preferred melting cheese.
  • Serve with rice or tortillas for a heartier meal.