Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate piled high with Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce. I remember the first time I tasted this dish at a friend’s family gathering. The moment I took a bite, the explosion of flavors captivated me. The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers blended perfectly with the tanginess of the tomatillos, and the tender meatballs, bursting with flavor, made me feel at home. It quickly became a staple in my cooking repertoire, especially on chilly evenings when I needed a hearty meal to warm my soul. This dish is not just about food; it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories over a delicious feast.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce

The ingredients for Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce are a harmonious blend of rich flavors and textures. Each component has a role to play, from the juicy meatballs to the zesty sauce that ties everything together. Let’s explore these key players that make this dish so memorable.

• 1 lb tomatillos, husks removed and washed – These little green gems add a unique tartness that brightens the sauce.
• 1 small white onion, quartered – Roasted to bring out its natural sweetness, complementing the tomatillos perfectly.
• 5 cloves garlic, peels left intact – These gems turn sweet and caramelized when roasted, adding depth to the sauce.
• 2 chipotles en adobo, seeds removed – They provide a smoky heat that makes the sauce exciting.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for balancing flavors.
• 1 cup beef broth – Adds richness and helps blend all the ingredients smoothly.
• 1 lb ground beef – The heart of the meatballs, offering a satisfying texture and taste.
• 1/4 lb Mexican chorizo, crumbled – This adds spiciness and a depth of flavor that elevates the meatballs.
• 3/4 cup dried breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs together while providing structure.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Adds moisture to the meat mixture.
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten – They act as a binder in the meatball mixture.
• 1 teaspoon oregano – A classic herb that complements the meat perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Ensures the meatballs are flavorful.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a nice kick.
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped – Introduces a fresh, aromatic note.
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced – A hidden surprise stuffed inside the meatballs.
• Chopped cilantro for garnishing – Adds a pop of freshness on top.

Step by Step Instructions for Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce

Cooking Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Let’s embark on this culinary journey step by step, ensuring every detail is captured for a successful outcome.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the tomatillos, onion, and garlic roast perfectly, enhancing their flavors.
2. Place the quartered onion, tomatillos, and unpeeled garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. This will help them caramelize and develop rich flavors during roasting.
3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to blacken and blister, filling your home with a fragrant aroma.
4. Once roasted, take the baking sheet out and let the vegetables cool slightly. Then, squeeze out the roasted garlic from its peels, discarding the peels. This garlic will add a creamy texture to your sauce.
5. Transfer the roasted tomatillos, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the beef broth, chipotles, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth, creating a luscious sauce.
6. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. While the sauce simmers, prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled chorizo, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro.
8. Using your hands, knead the mixture until thoroughly combined; you want everything to be well integrated. This is where the magic happens!
9. Form the meat mixture into 1-inch balls. To add a delightful surprise, flatten each ball, place a piece of hard-boiled egg in the center, and then mold the meat around it back into a ball.
10. Repeat this process until you’ve made all the meatballs, which should yield around 30. This makes for a hearty meal!
11. Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and fry them on all sides until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
12. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to paper towels to drain any excess grease. This keeps them nice and light.
13. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and gently nestle the meatballs into the sauce. Bring everything to a simmer once more.
14. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the sauce consistency; add more beef broth if needed.
15. When ready, serve your delicious Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce hot, alongside your choice of sides like rice, warm corn tortillas, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Change It Up

If you’re looking to add a twist to your Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce or simply want to try something new, here are some ideas to consider:

• Different Meats: While this recipe uses beef and chorizo, you could experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spice Levels: If you love heat, try adding more chipotle or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Herb Variations: Swap out cilantro for parsley or basil to change the flavor profile of the meatballs.
• Vegetarian Option: Make meatless meatballs using black beans, quinoa, and spices, keeping the sauce the same.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving the meatballs in tacos or over a bed of pasta for a fusion twist on this dish.

What Goes Well With This Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce

When it comes to serving Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce, the options are endless! Here are some delightful pairings to consider:

• Warm Corn Tortillas: Nothing beats a side of fresh, warm tortillas to scoop up the meatballs and sauce!
• Fluffy Rice: Serve with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the delectable sauce and complete the meal.
• Fresh Salad: A simple salad with crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
• Mexican Street Corn: A great side dish to complement the flavors of this dish, adding sweetness and crunch.
• Beans: Refried beans or black beans are excellent sides that pair beautifully with this meal.
• Guacamole: A scoop of creamy guacamole brings a rich flavor that works wonders with the spice of the meatballs.
• Occasional Hosting: This dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers with friends!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food with a rich blend of flavors. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds dance!

Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, Mexican Meatballs with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce delivers a rich, smoky flavor that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, these meatballs are packed with flavor and sure to impress. Make it tonight for an unforgettable meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Peeler
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot
• Blender
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Tomatillos husks removed and washed
• 1 small Onion quartered
• 1 small Onion finely diced
• 5 cloves Garlic peels left intact
• 2 Chipotles en adobo seeds removed if you prefer less spicy
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Beef broth
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1/4 lb Mexican chorizo crumbled
• 3/4 cup Dried breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 2 Eggs lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro fresh, chopped
• 2 Hard-boiled eggs diced
• Cilantro for garnishing

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the quartered onion, tomatillos, and unpeeled garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil.
• Roast the vegetables for about 35 to 40 minutes until they begin to blacken and blister.
• Once roasted, take the baking sheet out and let the vegetables cool slightly. Squeeze out the roasted garlic.
• Transfer the roasted tomatillos, onion, and garlic to a blender. Add the beef broth, chipotles, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth.
• Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
• While the sauce simmers, prepare the meatballs by combining the ground beef, chorizo, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
• Using your hands, knead the mixture until thoroughly combined.
• Form the meat mixture into 1-inch balls, flatten each ball, place a piece of hard-boiled egg in the center, and mold the meat around it back into a ball.
• Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs until brown on all sides.
• Once browned, transfer the meatballs to paper towels to drain excess grease.
• Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and nestle the meatballs into the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
• Serve hot, alongside your choice of sides like rice or warm corn tortillas.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep; simply reheat in the oven or stovetop.

Keyword chipotle tomatillo sauce, comfort food recipes, easy dinner recipes, Mexican meatballs recipe