Juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese—this dish is a perfect twist on a Mexican classic. These Baked Enchilada Meatballs are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or your next family gathering!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork (or substitute with more beef)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, cilantro, Parmesan cheese, and all the seasonings. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Dish:
- Transfer the baked meatballs to a baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they’re fully coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake with Sauce:
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. Pair with rice, tortillas, or enjoy as is!
Notes
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be prepped and frozen raw or cooked in advance. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or spicy enchilada sauce and adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Cheese Options: Use pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco for variety.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
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