Texas-Style Enchilada Meatballs: Bold, Flavorful, and Easy

Photo bydaily easy recipes

In Texas, where bold flavors and hearty dishes reign supreme, there’s a recipe that captures the spirit of the state with every bite: Baked Enchilada Meatballs. These little bundles of joy pack all the punch of traditional enchiladas but with a fun, easy-to-eat twist. Whether you're throwing a Texas-sized get-together or simply looking for a flavorful family meal, this dish has everything you need to impress.

The Baked Enchilada Meatballs combine tender beef or turkey with the rich, warm spices of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. The meatballs are baked to perfection and then smothered in enchilada sauce and melted Mexican cheese. Garnished with cilantro and green onions, they offer a vibrant, fresh touch that complements the dish’s smoky, savory flavor.

Imagine serving these at a gathering—your guests will be asking for the recipe after their first bite! Whether as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are versatile and packed with a Tex-Mex punch.

Recipe: Baked Enchilada Meatballs – Texas Style

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (divided)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and develop a nice browned crust on the outside.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven. Spoon the remaining enchilada sauce over each meatball and sprinkle them with the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
6. Broil for Perfection: Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. These meatballs can be served hot as an appetizer or as part of a main course.

A Taste of Texas

These baked enchilada meatballs are more than just a dish—they're a celebration of everything Texas cuisine represents: bold, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you're sharing them with family on a weeknight or bringing them to a party, they're sure to be a hit. The blend of spices and the richness of enchilada sauce gives these meatballs a distinctive flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.

Here are some great sources and variations of the Baked Enchilada Meatballs recipe that can help you explore different methods and flavor profiles:

1. Carlsbad Cravings provides a well-rounded version, focusing on combining ground beef with enchilada sauce and spices like cumin and chili powder. The sauce is homemade, adding a rich flavor to the baked meatballs, and they are topped with cheese for a satisfying finish​(Carlsbad Cravings).
2. Meg's Everyday Indulgence offers a twist by using crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs, which enhances the authentic Tex-Mex flavor. This recipe integrates enchilada sauce both inside the meatballs and as a topping​(Meg's Everyday Indulgence).
3. A Family Feast suggests mixing jalapeños and scallions into the meatball mixture, then baking them over rice and topping them with enchilada sauce and cheese, creating a heartier meal​(A Family Feast®).
4. Isabel Eats uses a simple method to make the meatballs in a skillet, searing them before baking with enchilada sauce and cheese, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat​(Isabel Eats).
5. AllRecipes uses cornbread crumbs in the meatball mixture for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory enchilada flavors, and offers a quicker option with canned enchilada sauce and cheese​(Allrecipes).

These recipes offer a variety of approaches to making this flavorful dish, and they all highlight different techniques that add unique textures and flavors to the enchilada meatballs.

You can visit these sources for more detailed instructions:

• Carlsbad Cravings
• Meg's Everyday Indulgence
• A Family Feast
• Isabel Eats
• AllRecipes