Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Meatballs Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Meatballs Recipe is a cheesy and spicy recipe, which is made with ground beef and pepper jack cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 1 hour.

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Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Meatballs Recipe Ingredients

• 5 pounds ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled stale bread (about 6 ounces)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 1 pound pepper jack cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil

How To Make Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Meatballs

1. Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, cilantro, parsley, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and eggs. Use your hands to mix everything together until it is well combined.
2. Stuff and form the meatballs: Take a 1-tablespoon portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of pepper jack cheese in the center, then wrap the meat mixture around the cheese and roll it into a ball.
3. Chill the meatballs: Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them for 10 to 15 minutes to help them firm up.
4. Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the meatballs, turning them, for about 5 to 7 minutes per batch, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart? Chilling the meatballs for 10-15 minutes in the freezer before cooking is a crucial step. This helps them firm up and hold their shape much better in the hot skillet.
• What’s the best way to get a good brown crust? Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs in batches, leaving enough space between them so they have room to sear rather than steam. This is key to developing a flavorful, brown crust.
• What kind of bread should I use for the breadcrumbs? Using stale bread that you crumble yourself provides the best texture. If you only have fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven before crumbling it.
• How can I check if the meatballs are seasoned correctly? Before you roll all the meatballs, you can cook a small test patty in the skillet. Taste it and adjust the salt, chili powder, or other spices in the main mixture if needed.

What To Serve With Tex Mex Meatballs

These cheesy meatballs are a fantastic appetizer or can be part of a main course. Serve them with:

• Your favorite salsa, queso, or guacamole for dipping
• As a topping for nachos
• In a sub roll for a hearty meatball sandwich
• Over rice with a side of black beans

How To Store Tex Mex Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Let them cool completely after cooking, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven.

Tex Mex Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg

Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Drip Beef Meatballs Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Turkey Meatballs Recipe