Chipotle Meatballs Recipe

Recipe: #5672

June 08, 2012

Categories: Mexican, Sunday Dinner, Mexican Dinner, more

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix all the meatball ingredients together in a large bowl and mix well with your clean hands for a minute or two. You want the mixture to be well integrated, but you don't want to overwork it or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2

With wet hands or an ice cream scoop, form meat into about 16 plum-size balls and space them out in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, or, if you have one, a mini-muffin tin. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

While meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat and sauté the onions until they just start to brown. Add the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute, then add the minced chipotles, the can of tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well and add salt. If you want more chipotle flavor, add the reserved chipotle sauce spoonful by spoonful, mixing and tasting between spoonfuls. Boil the sauce uncovered as the meatballs cook.

Step 4

When meatballs are ready, put them into the sauce. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. serve with rice.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

For a milder flavor, use less chipotle powder or adobo sauce.
If you don't have fresh oregano, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried oregano.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground beef or turkey instead of pork: Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of pork for a leaner version of this dish. This substitution will reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish, making it a healthier option.
Fresh parsley instead of oregano: Fresh parsley can be used instead of oregano for a more mild flavor. This substitution will give the dish a lighter flavor and can be a nice contrast to the smoky chipotle flavor.

Variations

Spicy Italian Meatballs Replace the chipotle powder with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Replace the oregano with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Replace the crushed tomatoes with 1 can of diced tomatoes. Replace the beef broth with 1/2 cup of white wine. Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture. Replace the onion in the sauce with 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper. Replace the oregano in the sauce with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Mediterranean Meatballs Replace the chipotle powder with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Replace the oregano with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Replace the crushed tomatoes with 1 can of diced tomatoes. Replace the beef broth with 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture. Replace the onion in the sauce with 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives. Replace the oregano in the sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the sauce.

Serve with

Mexican Rice: This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Chipotle Meatballs. It adds a delicious depth of flavor and texture to the meal, and its mild spiciness complements the heat of the chipotle powder.

Black Bean Salad: This light and refreshing salad is the perfect complement to the Mexican Rice and Chipotle Meatballs. With a combination of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, it adds a fresh and flavorful crunch to the meal. The mild acidity of the tomatoes and onions pairs nicely with the spiciness of the chipotle powder, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.

FAQ

Q: How long should I cook the meatballs?

A: The meatballs should be cooked in the oven for 15 minutes and then simmered in the sauce for 30 minutes.

Q: What temperature should I cook the meatballs?

A: The meatballs should be cooked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Then, simmer in the sauce for 30 minutes.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: This recipe was featured in the New York Times and was created by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. He is known for his Mexican-inspired cooking and has won several awards for his work.

Fun Fact 2: Chipotle powder is a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and it was first used by the Aztecs and Mayans in the 16th century as a way to preserve food and add flavor.

Gerry

Great tasting meatballs! Having only a small amount of ground pork I did go with a combination of pork and beef with excellent results. Used dried oregano instead of the mint. The ingredients come together to make for meatballs with a zing. So good that I plan on making mini meatballs to serve as appetisers for our backyard gatherings. We enjoyed!