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Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls

Savor the Heat with Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls at Home

Enjoy the thrill of Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls, a delightful appetizer packed with flavor and heat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion No substitutions necessary.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Omit if preferred.
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Pepper Adjust for desired heat level or substitute.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic preferred, garlic powder can work.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Essential for an authentic taste.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust based on spice tolerance.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can substitute.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Can substitute with breadcrumbs.
  • 1 large Beaten Egg Acts as a binder.
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with another cooking oil.
  • 1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes with Green Chilis Any canned tomato product can substitute.
For Serving
  • 2 pcs Fresh Lime Wedges Provides fresh zest for serving.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your ingredients for smooth assembly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to avoid overmixing.
  3. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  4. Incorporate the beaten egg into the mixture, stirring to combine until slightly sticky.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, aiming for about 12 to 15 meatballs.
  6. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  7. Pour Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilis over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot with fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Mix sparingly to maintain tenderness. Searing adds flavor. Adjust jalapeño based on spice tolerance. Mixture can be refrigerated before cooking.

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