Easy Mexican Meatballs Recipe

This Easy Mexican Meatballs Recipe featuring light and savory beef meatballs studded with spices and rich tomato sauce is a fun and cheerful dinner!

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I think it’s safe to say that Mexican meatballs have the most flavor. I mean, how could they not? Each bite of delicious, beautiful, and spice-flecked meatball does nothing but bring joy.

This homemade Mexican meatballs recipe starts with tender meatballs flavored with cumin and garlic, and the sauce is my favorite rich and spicy tomato broth. And fresh cilantro, both inside the meatball mixture and on top for decoration, is the final touch. While I often make this dish for taco nights, it’s perfect any day of the year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican style meatball dish brings warmth, color, and ease into one pan.

Juicy meatballs: Corn chips keep the texture tender and flavorful.

Bold sauce: Chipotle, tomato, and spices create deep flavor without overpowering heat.

Simple steps: Everything comes together without complicated prep.

Family friendly: Gentle spice with big flavor works well for many tastes.

Great leftovers: The sauce deepens overnight and tastes even richer later.

Versatile meal: Works with rice, tortillas, and bowls easily.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500 g ground beef
• 1/2 red onion, grated
• 50 g plain corn chips, finely crushed
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons coriander, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder 
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Oil spray

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 chipotle from canned chipotle in adobo, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• 800 g crushed tomato
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon coriander, roughly chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Build the meatball mixture

Place beef into a large bowl. Add grated onion, crushed corn chips, egg, chopped coriander, parsley, jalapeño, black pepper, cumin, chipotle powder, coriander powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Mix gently with hands until combined. A light touch keeps the texture soft.

2. Shape the meatballs

Scoop small portions and roll into even sized balls. Keep them slightly smaller than a golf ball so they cook evenly. Place them on a plate and lightly spray with oil.

3. Brown the meatballs

Heat a wide pan over medium heat. Add a light spray of oil and place meatballs into the pan. Turn them slowly until all sides show a golden color. Remove them once browned and set aside.

4. Start the sauce base

Pour olive oil into the same pan. Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant. Stir often so the garlic stays soft and fragrant.

5. Add chipotle flavor

Stir in chopped chipotle and adobo sauce. Let it warm briefly so the smoky flavor opens up. This step sets the tone for the entire sauce.

6. Simmer the tomato sauce

Add crushed tomato and sugar to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about ten minutes. The texture thickens and the flavor smooths out.

7. Finish with meatballs

Return meatballs to the pan and spoon sauce over them. Let everything simmer together until meatballs cook through and soak up flavor. Sprinkle chopped coriander on top before serving.

Tips and Variations

Small changes can adjust this recipe to fit your table.

• For milder heat, reduce chipotle powder slightly.
• For deeper spice, add a touch more cumin.
• If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of water loosens it gently.
• I like keeping the meatballs small since they absorb more sauce that way.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Mexican Meatballs Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, and simple flatbreads. The sauce works well as a topping and a dip. A spoon of sauce over rice turns the meal into something extra comforting.

When serving for family dinners, I add a fresh salad on the side to keep the plate balanced. Everything feels complete without extra effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these meatballs be made ahead?

Yes, meatballs can be prepared earlier and simmered in sauce before serving.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, meatballs and sauce freeze well once cooled fully.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat stays gentle and warm rather than sharp.

Can corn chips be replaced?

Breadcrumbs work well with a small pinch of salt added.

How long do leftovers last?

Stored in the fridge, they stay good for three days.

Final Thoughts

Easy Mexican Meatballs Recipe brings bold comfort into everyday cooking without extra work. The sauce feels rich, the meatballs stay tender, and the flavors stay balanced from first bite to last.