Description
Every mom has that one recipe that brings laughter and empty plates to the dinner table. For me, it’s my famous Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls! I remember the first time I served these delicious bites. My husband, ever the jokester, started making donkey noises, and the kids just giggled.
Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
1 lb Ground Pork
1 large Egg
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tbsp Chipotle Powder
1 tsp Cumi
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 cup Cilantro, fresh, chopped
1 cup Salsa (your favorite, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chipotle powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro
- Gently mix all ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls
- Arrange these Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls on a baking sheet
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned
- Serve your Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls hot with your favorite salsa
Notes
Avoid overmixing the meat to keep your meatballs tender.
Use cold hands when rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
For even cooking, ensure all your meatballs are roughly the same size; a small scoop can help.
To add more moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (flash freeze first).
Reheat in the microwave, oven, or stovetop until heated through.
Customize by using all ground beef or ground turkey, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, mixing in finely diced bell peppers, or stuffing with a small cube of cheddar cheese.
Raw meatballs can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
The spice level is moderate; reduce chipotle for less heat, or add cayenne/diced jalapeño for more.
These meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as alternatives to Panko.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
Keywords: Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls, meatballs, spicy, Mexican, ground beef, ground pork, family dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal
