Mexicali Meatballs Recipe 🍽️
Overview:
Mexicali Meatballs are a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a potluck. These meatballs boast a robust texture and are generously coated in a savory sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Packed with protein and flavor, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. With just under an hour from start to finish, including prep and cooking time, they’re a convenient choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 12 | Salt |
| 1/2 | Chili powder |
| 1 1/2 | Red pepper flakes |
| 1 | Milk |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Green pepper |
| 1 | lb Lean ground beef |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1 | Celery stalk |
| 1 | cup All-purpose flour |
| 1/4 | cup Beef broth |
| 1/4 | cup Water |
| 1 1/2 | cups Tomato sauce |
| 1 | tsp Pepper |
| 1 | tsp Chili powder |
| 1 | tsp Ground cumin |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 374
- Fat Content: 21.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 128.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1269.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.3g
- Fiber Content: 2g
- Sugar Content: 2.9g
- Protein Content: 28.6g
Instructions:
For the Meatballs:
- Begin by making crumbs of the crackers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, milk, and eggs. Stir until well incorporated.
- Add in the diced onions and green pepper, mixing them into the mixture.
- Incorporate the lean ground beef into the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into 30-35 meatballs, forming them firmly to hold their shape.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
For the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the meatballs, heat a bit more oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped celery to the skillet, sautéing them until they are soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet, stirring continuously to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Once the sauce reaches a suitable consistency, return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these flavorful Mexicali Meatballs hot, with your choice of accompaniments such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. They make for a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. Enjoy the bold flavors and comforting aromas of this Mexican-inspired dish!
