Go Back
–+ servings
Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls: Comfort with a Cheesy Surprise

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls combine bold flavors and a cheesy surprise for a perfect appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Ensure a mix with some fat for moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Omit for a more straightforward flavor profile.
  • 1 ea Jalapeño Pepper Deseed it for milder spice, or swap with a bell pepper for no heat.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Essential for enhancing flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin A staple in Mexican cuisine.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used in a pinch.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
For the Cheesy Center
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack makes a great substitute.
For Coating and Binding
  • 1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Breadcrumbs can also be used for a different consistency.
  • 1 ea Beaten Egg Acts as a binder.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 can Mexican-Style Tomatoes with Green Chilis Can substitute with plain diced tomatoes plus chili powder.
For Serving
  • 1 ea Fresh Lime Wedges Enhance flavor; optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
  3. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips into the meat mixture.
  4. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
  6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear for about 5 minutes until browned.
  7. Pour Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilis over the seared meatballs.
  8. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs offer a perfect mix of spice and cheesiness, suitable for various dietary preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!