These Mexican Chipotle Beef Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and cooked in a smoky, spicy tomato and black bean sauce. Topped with melty cheese and served with sour cream and crunchy corn chips, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun party meal. Quick, easy, and packed with bold Mexican flavors, these meatballs will be a hit at your table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion, halved
• 700g beef mince
• 35g packet Old El Paso Chili Con Carne Spice Mix
• 20g (1/3 cup) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 400g can black beans, rinsed & drained
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chipotle sauce
• 100g (1 cup) pre-grated 3 cheese blend
• Sour cream, to serve
• Plain corn chips, to serve

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Finely chop one half of the onion and grate the other half.
   • In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, beef mince, spice mix, breadcrumbs, and egg.
   • Mix with clean hands until well combined, then roll the mixture into 12 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring until softened.
   • Add the cumin and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle sauce, and 185ml (¾ cup) water.
   • Bring to a boil, then return the meatballs to the pan.
   • Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
4. Melt the Cheese:
   • Preheat the grill (broiler) on high.
   • Sprinkle the cheese blend over the meatball mixture.
   • Grill for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Top with sour cream and serve with plain corn chips for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g

Why You’ll Love These Mexican Chipotle Beef Meatballs

These meatballs are anything but ordinary. The combination of spices, chipotle sauce, and black beans creates a dish that’s rich, hearty, and full of depth. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Packed with Authentic Mexican Flavors – From smoky chipotle sauce to earthy cumin, these meatballs are bursting with warmth and spice.
• Juicy and Tender Meatballs – The combination of beef, breadcrumbs, and egg keeps the meatballs soft and full of flavor.
• A Bold and Hearty Sauce – The black beans, tomatoes, and spices create a thick, saucy base that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Topped with Melty Cheese – Everything is better with a layer of bubbling, melted cheese!
• Versatile and Easy to Serve – Enjoy them as a main dish, appetizer, or even in tacos or burrito bowls.

The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs

Making the perfect meatballs is all about the right balance of ingredients and technique. Here are some key tips:

• Grated Onion for Extra Moisture – Instead of just chopping the onion, grating it ensures that the juices mix into the beef, keeping the meatballs tender and flavorful.
• Breadcrumbs and Egg for Structure – Panko breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and prevent the meatballs from becoming too dense, while the egg binds everything together.
• Spice Mix for Bold Flavor – Using a pre-made chili con carne spice mix ensures the meatballs are seasoned perfectly, with a blend of chili, paprika, garlic, and other warm spices.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat – Gently mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough, dense meatballs.

A Smoky, Spicy Tomato and Black Bean Sauce

The sauce is what makes these chipotle meatballs stand out. It’s rich, smoky, and slightly spicy, with a mix of hearty black beans and tangy diced tomatoes. Here’s what makes it so delicious:

• Chipotle Sauce for a Smoky Kick – The chipotle sauce adds a deep, smoky heat that makes this sauce incredibly flavorful. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less depending on your preference.
• Black Beans for Texture and Heft – These add a slightly creamy texture and make the sauce heartier, making the dish feel even more satisfying.
• Cumin for Warm, Earthy Notes – This spice enhances the smokiness and gives the sauce an extra depth of flavor.
• A Touch of Water for Perfect Consistency – Adding just enough liquid ensures that the sauce is rich and thick but still spoonable and perfect for dipping.

The Magic of Melted Cheese

Once the meatballs have simmered in the sauce, they’re topped with a blend of cheeses and placed under the broiler until melted and bubbly. The three-cheese blend typically includes cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, creating a gooey, stretchy layer that enhances every bite. If you love a bit of extra sharpness, you can swap in some crumbled cotija cheese or a sprinkle of smoked gouda.

How to Serve Mexican Chipotle Beef Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion:

• With Corn Chips – The crispy, salty crunch of corn chips is perfect for scooping up the meatballs and sauce.
• Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• With Warm Tortillas – Wrap them up in soft tortillas for a delicious taco-style meal.
• As a Party Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and let guests enjoy them as bite-sized snacks.
• Stuffed in a Burrito or Bowl – Add them to a burrito with rice, beans, and guacamole for a complete meal.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

The beauty of this dish is that you can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste:

• For a Milder Version: Reduce the amount of chipotle sauce and use a mild chili con carne spice mix.
• For Extra Heat: Add more chipotle sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• For a Smokier Flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These meatballs are perfect for meal prep and can be stored easily for later enjoyment.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
• Freezing: The meatballs and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: If reheating from frozen, warm them in a covered pan over medium-low heat until heated through.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

While these meatballs are indulgent and packed with flavor, they also offer some great nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: The beef and cheese provide a solid amount of protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Rich in Fiber: Black beans add fiber to the dish, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Packed with Antioxidants: Tomatoes and spices like cumin and chili powder contain antioxidants that support overall health.
• Lower in Carbs Than Traditional Meatball Dishes: Since these meatballs are served with beans and veggies instead of pasta, they’re a great lower-carb alternative to traditional Italian meatballs.

Conclusion

Mexican Chipotle Beef Meatballs are a bold, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky chipotle sauce, tender beef meatballs, and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, a fun party snack, or a meal prep option, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.