Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Bold flavors: Spiced meatballs with smoky enchilada sauce.
-
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and baked in one dish.
-
Versatile: Serve as appetizers, in tacos, or over rice.
-
Family-friendly: Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved.
-
Make-ahead: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Ground beef or ground turkey
-
Bread crumbs
-
Egg
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Chili powder
-
Cumin
-
Salt and pepper
-
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
-
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
-
Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
-
Form meatballs: Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly in the baking dish.
-
Add sauce: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the meatballs.
-
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
-
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4-6
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 30 minutes
-
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
-
Meat alternatives: Use ground chicken, pork, or plant-based meat substitutes.
-
Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco.
-
Add vegetables: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatballs.
-
Slow cooker: Cook meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I bake meatballs without sauce?
Yes, but they may dry out. Sauce keeps them moist and flavorful.
How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Don’t overmix and use an egg and breadcrumbs as binders.
Can I prepare meatballs ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
Use salsa or a tomato-based sauce with chili powder as a substitute.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
How spicy are these meatballs?
Mild by default; adjust spices or add jalapeños for heat.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, thaw before baking for best results.
What sides go well with this dish?
Rice, beans, or a fresh salad pair nicely.
Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and adjust binders accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Baked Enchilada Meatballs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the bold flavors of enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these meatballs offer a satisfying twist on traditional favorites that everyone will enjoy.
Baked Enchilada Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Enchilada Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs baked in a rich enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese. This easy Mexican-inspired dish is perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, bringing bold spices and comforting flavors together in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
-
Ground beef or ground turkey
-
Bread crumbs
-
Egg
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Chili powder
-
Cumin
-
Salt and pepper
-
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
-
Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until just combined.
-
Form meatballs: Shape into 1-inch balls and place evenly in the baking dish.
-
Add sauce: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over meatballs.
-
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
-
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over meatballs and bake another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For spicier meatballs, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.Swap ground beef with ground chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.Mix finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.Slow cooker method: Combine ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours.
