Name: Cheesy Mexican Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, divided (mild preferred); 1 pound ground beef; 3/4 cup oats, coarsely ground; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, colby jack, and/or pepper jack); Cilantro for garnish, if desired

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Introduction

These cheesy Mexican meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish that combines savory spices with melted cheese and tangy enchilada sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they’re easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A close-up of a fork lifting a browned meatball covered in melted, gooey yellow cheese mixed with herbs, with rich red sauce beneath. The dish shows many meatballs layered in a white bowl, topped with bubbling, stretchy cheese and sprinkled with green parsley. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces red enchilada sauce, divided (mild recommended)
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup oats, coarsely ground
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack)
Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce with the ground beef, coarsely ground oats, eggs, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and hot sauce if using. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well blended.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs by hand or with a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons each). Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish. They can be left in a rustic shape or rolled perfectly round, both work well.
Step 4: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the meatballs. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated cheese over the meatballs, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a blend of your favorite cheeses to add depth of flavor and meltiness.
For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add extra hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Substitute oats with breadcrumbs if preferred for a slightly different texture.
Serve with warm tortillas or rice to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place meatballs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating is also possible but may soften the texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of meatballs covered in melted cheese inside a white round dish, sitting on a white marbled surface. There are several meatballs, roughly round and brown in color, with a slightly rough texture. They are topped with a thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese that stretches as one meatball is lifted by a metal fork, held by a woman's hand. The cheese looks creamy and stretchy with flecks of green herbs sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green color to the warm tones. The sauce beneath the meatballs is rich and brown, partially visible around the edges of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. Be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meatballs are cooked through.

What can I do if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with salsa roja or a homemade chili sauce made from tomato paste and chili powder. The flavor will be similar but slightly different.