Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce
Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a smoky and spicy chipotle tomato sauce. This Tex-Mex classic is perfect served over rice, with tortillas, or as a hearty appetizer. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with a kick!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, half of the finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, Mexican oregano, ground cumin, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form and Sear the Meatballs
- b.Roll the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. A small cookie scoop can help ensure they are uniform in size.
- c.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- e.Sear the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- f.Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Sauce Base
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining half of the chopped onion to the pan drippings.
- c.Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent.
- d.Add the remaining 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Blend the Chipotle Sauce
- b.Carefully transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to a blender.
- c.Add the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth to the blender.
- d.Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until the sauce is completely smooth.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish the Dish
- b.Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- c.Stir in the brown sugar, the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt, and the black pepper.
- d.Carefully return the seared meatballs to the sauce, nestling them in a single layer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- f.If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of simmering to allow it to reduce.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- c.Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the meatballs and sauce.
- d.Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a simple salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- 2Using a combination of beef and pork yields a richer flavor and more tender texture than using beef alone.
- 3Control the heat level by adjusting the number of chipotle peppers. For a milder sauce, use 1-2 peppers and scrape out the seeds.
- 4This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It's perfect for meal prepping.
- 5For a creamier sauce, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or Mexican crema during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- 6Use a small ice cream or cookie scoop to form evenly sized meatballs, which ensures they cook at the same rate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitution
You can make this recipe using all ground beef, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Create vegetarian 'meatballs' using a base of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and texture.
Smokier FlavorSmokier Flavor
For an extra layer of smokiness, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meatball mixture or the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are a primary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and helps protect cells from damage.
Metabolism-Boosting Properties
Chipotle peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this dish (approximately 5 meatballs and sauce) contains an estimated 600-650 calories, primarily from the meat and oil. The exact count can vary based on the fat content of the ground meat used.