Spicy Mexican Taco Meatballs Delight
Dive into a plate of these Spicy Mexican Taco Meatballs Delight, a flavorful and versatile dish that ensures your taste buds embark on a festive journey. Perfect for any occasion, these meaty morsels can be served as a finger-licking appetizer with crusty bread or turned into a hearty main dish by placing them in sub rolls and generously topping them with melted cheese. For a comforting twist, simmer them with beans for a delicious meatball chili. A favorite for gatherings, these meatballs are easy to whip up and can be kept warm in a crockpot, making them a hit at potlucks or family get-togethers. With their robust flavors and convenient preparation, they are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (Raw, crumbled)
Taco seasoning mix
1 envelope (Taco Bell or any taco seasoning of choice)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Plain fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Salt and pepper
to taste (No preparation needed)
Salsa
1 (16 oz) jar (Mild or hot, as preferred)
Tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can (No preparation needed)
Extra Parmesan cheese
as a garnish (optional) (Grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your large skillet over medium heat with peanut oil.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the taco seasoning mix, 1/2 cup of salsa, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
4
Once the skillet is hot, gently add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to turn them frequently for even cooking. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, remaining salsa, and the rest of the taco seasoning mix. Stir well to combine.
6
Add the browned meatballs to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7
Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Mexican Taco Meatballs Delight?
It is a flavorful and versatile dish featuring seasoned beef meatballs simmered in a salsa and tomato sauce mixture, perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
What are the primary ingredients for these meatballs?
The main ingredients include ground beef, taco seasoning mix, an egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salsa, and tomato sauce.
How do I prepare the meatball mixture?
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of salsa, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, and salt and pepper.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The mixture should be shaped into 1.5-inch meatballs using your hands.
What type of oil is recommended for browning the meatballs?
Peanut oil is recommended for preheating the skillet and browning the meatballs.
How long should the meatballs be browned in the skillet?
Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning them frequently.
Should I drain the meatballs after browning?
Yes, transfer the browned meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
What ingredients make up the simmering sauce?
The sauce consists of tomato sauce, the remaining salsa, and the rest of the taco seasoning mix.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking during simmering?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering to prevent sticking to the saucepan.
Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?
Yes, they make an excellent appetizer when served with crusty bread.
How can I turn this recipe into a main dish?
Serve the meatballs in sub rolls and top them with melted cheese for a hearty main course.
Can I use these meatballs for a chili recipe?
Yes, you can simmer them with beans to create a delicious meatball chili.
Is this recipe suitable for a crockpot?
Yes, these meatballs can be kept warm in a crockpot, making them ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
What type of breadcrumbs should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of plain fresh breadcrumbs.
What kind of salsa is best for this recipe?
You can use a 16 oz jar of either mild or hot salsa, depending on your heat preference.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of raw, crumbled ground beef.
Is parmesan cheese used in the meatballs?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese is mixed directly into the meatball mixture.
Can I add a garnish to the finished dish?
Extra grated parmesan cheese can be used as an optional garnish.
What size saucepan should I use for the sauce?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for combining the sauce ingredients and simmering the meatballs.
What is the purpose of the egg in the recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder to help the meatball mixture stay together.
Should the skillet be hot before adding meatballs?
Yes, ensure the skillet and peanut oil are preheated over medium heat before adding the meatballs.
How much salsa goes into the meatball mixture itself?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of salsa inside the meatball mixture, with the rest used for the sauce.
What brand of taco seasoning is suggested?
Taco Bell seasoning or any taco seasoning of your choice can be used.
Are these meatballs considered comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as comfort food and a family favorite.
Is the cooking process difficult?
No, the preparation is convenient and involves simple mixing, browning, and simmering steps.
Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, by choosing between mild or hot salsa and selecting your preferred taco seasoning.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
While the exact count varies, the recipe uses 1 lb of beef shaped into 1.5-inch balls.
Is salt and pepper added to the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the meatball mixture to taste.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The result is tender, meaty morsels coated in a robust, flavorful Mexican-inspired sauce.