Mexican Meatballs – Albondiguitas 🇲🇽

Introduction

Mexican Meatballs, or Albondiguitas, are a delightful blend of savory flavors that can be enjoyed either as a tantalizing appetizer or wrapped in a tortilla for a more substantial meal, reminiscent of a souvlaki but with a Mexican twist. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to whip up these mouthwatering meatballs in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a lunchtime treat or a satisfying snack. Packed with cheesy goodness and aromatic spices, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household!

Recipe Overview

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 36 meatballs
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Calories per Serving: 36.1
Keyword Tags: Cheese, Meat, Mexican, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

5 units of lean ground beef
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper
1 cup of salsa
1 package of tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Queso fresco (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chiles: Start by stemming the chiles and chopping them finely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. If desired, you can remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chiles with the lean ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Shape the Meatballs: Take teaspoonfuls of the meat mixture and roll them between your palms to form meatballs, each about 1-inch in diameter. Place the shaped meatballs on an ungreased baking pan with a lipped side, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once the oven is hot, place the baking pan with the meatballs inside and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot with salsa on the side as a dipping sauce, or assemble them in tortillas with cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and additional salsa for a taco-like presentation. Garnish with crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 36.1
Total Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 91mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.3g
Protein: 3.2g

Tips and Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional bread crumbs if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a meat alternative of your choice to make delicious vegetarian meatballs.
Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Simply cover the shaped meatballs with plastic wrap or aluminum foil until ready to bake.
Freeze for Later: You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Conclusion

These Mexican Meatballs are a delightful fusion of flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a tasty appetizer or a satisfying meal, these savory meatballs are a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in every bite! 🌮🍴