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You are here: Home / Main Dishes / Enchilada Meatballs

Enchilada Meatballs

August 10, 2023 by Tristin 7 Comments

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Savory and cheesy in the best ways possible, these beef Enchilada Meatballs are made with fresh chopped cilantro, gooey cheese and creamy red enchilada sauce. It’s an easy, one pan dinner idea your whole family will love!

If your family loves Mexican recipes, they’ll absolutely love these Alambre Tacos made with flank steak and bacon! For a scrumptious side dish, offer up a batch of Elote Mexicanos, topped with cotija cheese, lime, and fresh cilantro!

Above view of a skillet full of cheesy meatballs.

There’s something so warm and comforting about enchiladas! This beef enchilada meatball bake is a great recipe for those busy nights or to serve as a perfect appetizer for your next party! Even better, this easy recipe comes together incredibly fast, so you can satisfy that Mexican food craving in no time!

What are Enchilada Meatballs?

Like any meatball recipe, enchilada meatballs combine ground meat with egg, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings to make a tasty appetizer or a fun main dish. 

These cheesy enchilada meatballs take the whole concept to the next level by layering in aromatic ingredients like fresh garlic and cilantro, then baking the meatballs with enchilada sauce and cheese to infuse each bite with flavor. They’re everything you love about enchiladas in meatball form! For plain meatballs, try out this baked meatball recipe. And if you like ground turkey try these saucy, tasty turkey meatballs.

Up close of a pan full of saucy meatballs and on on a wooden spoon.

Enchilada Meatball Ingredients

  • Ground beef: This recipe starts with ground beef as the base, but feel free to substitute ground chicken or ground pork.
  • Egg: This helps bind the meat, spices, and other ingredients together.
  • Garlic: Mince fresh garlic for a fresh, savory flavor.
  • Cilantro: Add cilantro to the meatball mixture and save some to sprinkle on top!
  • Bread crumbs: Breadcrumbs will make your homemade meatballs tender and absorb all those delicious spices and flavors.
  • Seasonings: Make your own enchilada seasoning with chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Olive oil: This is to cook the meatballs in your skillet before baking them in the oven. You can use cooking spray instead.
  • Red enchilada sauce: Use a can of your favorite enchilada sauce. Feel free to substitute green enchilada sauce if you prefer.
  • Cheddar cheese: Shred some cheddar to sprinkle over the meatballs for a delicious melty cheese moment. 
  • Toppings: Make a toppings station with your favorite taco toppings, like black olives, shredded fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocados, hot sauce, green onions, sour cream, and more.
All of the ingredients needed to make meatballs.

How to Make Enchilada Meatballs

STEP 1 Make the meatball filling: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, garlic, egg, cilantro, bread crumbs, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.

First step of making meatballs is to mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

STEP 2 Form the beef meatballs: Shape into 2-inch sized meatballs with a tablespoon or cookie scoop, and place on a plate. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP 3 Cook the meatballs: Place a large 10-inch iron skillet or oven-proof pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once oil is hot, add in meatballs. Cook on each side about 2 minutes, about 10-12 minutes in total, until the meatballs are 160°F.

Step two to make meatballs is to form them into 2-inch balls and place them in hot oil in pan.

STEP 4 Cover with sauce: Pour in the enchilada sauce, coating the meatballs. Top with the shredded cheese. 

Step three of making meatballs is to cook them and add the enchiladas sauce.

STEP 5 Bake: Place in the oven for 15 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs and melt the cheese.

STEP 6 Garnish: Serve with desired toppings.

Step four is to add cheese and serve with condiments.

Tips for Success 

  • Don’t overmix. If you work with the meat mixture too much, the meatballs will be tough and unpleasant to eat.
  • Sear first. To get that little bite of texture on the outside of the meatballs, you need to griddle or sear them first. Although you can bake them without this step, the texture won’t be as pleasant.
  • Adjust to taste: If you prefer really spicy Mexican recipes, add some cayenne pepper or hot green chiles.
  • Use taco seasoning mix: If your spice cupboard looks a little bare, feel free to use some taco seasoning mix from the store.

Recipe Variations

  • Slow Cooker Enchilada Meatballs: After browning the meatballs in the skillet to get a good crust, place them in your slow cooker and top with the sauce and cheese. Cook these slow cooker meatballs on low heat for a couple of hours until fully cooked.
  • Chicken Enchilada Meatballs: Skip the beef and use ground chicken to make chicken meatballs.
  • Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef if your family prefers turkey.
  • Make homemade enchilada sauce: Have a family favorite enchilada sauce recipe? Feel free to use that instead!
  • Try salsa verde: Instead of enchilada sauce, pour delicious salsa verde over your meatballs for a bright, tangy flavor.
  • Use different cheeses: Prefer Monterey Jack cheese or cotija? Feel free to change things up!
Up close of enchilada meatballs on a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes well with enchilada meatballs?

Pair your enchilada meatball bake with a toppings station, just like serving tacos. Offer green onions, sour cream, extra shredded cheese, and more. Don’t forget to offer some sides to make it a complete meal, like cilantro lime cauliflower rice or Mexican rice, black beans, and tortilla chips and salsa.

Can you make gluten-free enchilada meatballs?

If you need to avoid gluten, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs and double check that your enchilada sauce has a gluten-free thickener, like cornstarch. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten!

Can you make low carb enchilada meatballs?

This recipe is naturally low carb except for the breadcrumbs! Try using keto breadcrumbs, ground pork rinds, or almond meal instead.

How many meatballs does this recipe make? Out of 1 pound of ground beef, I made 14 meatballs in a 10-inch iron pan. If you double the recipe, you will need a bigger iron skillet to fit them all otherwise they will not cook properly.

What type of enchilada sauce to use? You are welcome to use your favorite enchilada sauce or a homemade sauce. If using store bought, the kind I like to use is Old El Paso red enchilada sauce (not sponsored, just my opinion). I do not like the flavor of Las Palmas red sauce, it is bitter and does not taste good in this recipe. However, if you want an amazing green sauce the Las Palmas version is the best!

Above view and very up close of cheese covered meatballs.

How to Store & Reheat 

How to refrigerate Enchilada Meatballs? Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

How to keep at room temperature? These meatballs must be held above 135 degrees F to be served at a party or event. Try warming them in a slow cooker set on low heat and watch the internal temperature.

How do you reheat Beef Enchilada Meatballs? To reheat, pop your leftovers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes.

Can I Freeze Enchilada Meatballs?

How to freeze Skillet Enchilada Meatballs? After you cook the meatballs in a large skillet, assemble your baking dish and place the whole thing in the freezer. Be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and/or foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready, thaw and bake like normal. You can also freeze leftover cooked meatballs in a freezer bag for several months.

Above view of a skillet of cheesy enchilada meatballs with avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes.

Try these other recipes!

  • Sopa de Lentejas {Mexican Lentil Soup}
  • Bean Tostadas
  • Cheesy Taco Pasta
  • Camote en Dulce
  • Sandia Loca
  • Mexican Pink Cookies

If you’ve tried this enchilada meatball recipe, don’t forget to give me a star rating and leave me a comment below in the comment section. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!

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Above view of a skillet of cheesy enchilada meatballs with avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Enchilada Meatballs

Savory and cheesy in the best ways possible, these beef Enchilada Meatballs are made with fresh chopped cilantro, gooey cheese and creamy red enchilada sauce. It's an easy, one pan dinner idea your whole family will love! 
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4
Calories: 572kcal
Author: Tristin – Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef 93%
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 large garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro minced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 19 ounce can red enchilada sauce
  • 4 ounce block cheddar cheese shredded
  • optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cilantro, black olives, hot sauce, avocados

Instructions

  • In a large bowl mix together ground beef, garlic, egg, cilantro, bread crumbs, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
  • Shape into 2-inch sized meatballs with a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place on a plate.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Place a large 10-inch iron skillet or oven proof pan over medium heat, add in olive oil. 
  • Once oil is hot, add in meatballs. Cook on each side about 2 minutes, about 10-12 minutes in total until the meatballs are 160°F.
  • Pour in the enchilada sauce, coating the meatballs. Top with the shredded cheese.
  • Place in the oven for 15 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs and melt the cheese.
  • Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix. If you work with the meat mixture too much, the meatballs will be tough and unpleasant to eat.
  • Sear first. To get that little bite of texture on the outside of the meatballs, you need to griddle or sear them first. Although you can bake them without this step, the texture won’t be as pleasant.
  • Adjust to taste: If you prefer really spicy Mexican recipes, add some cayenne pepper or hot green chiles.
  • Use taco seasoning mix: If your spice cupboard looks a little bare, feel free to use some taco seasoning mix from the store.
 
 
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 1870mg | Potassium: 435mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1874IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 273mg | Iron: 5mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out!

I love hearing from you! Share a picture of the recipe on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.

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Filed Under: Main Dishes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristina

    September 1, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    I love enchiladas and I love meatballs so I am so glad I found this recipe on Pinterest. Such great flavor and a unique meal.

  2. Ramona Sebastian

    September 3, 2023 at 6:06 am

    5 stars
    I love enchiladas and meatballs, these two together would make the most delicious meal ever! I am desperate to try this recipe out, thank you for sharing!

  3. Amy Liu Dong

    September 3, 2023 at 10:47 am

    I ate this last night! It was wonderful and will definitely try it again. Also, I think it’s good for Christmas since Christmas is coming soon!

  4. Jenny

    September 4, 2023 at 5:24 am

    5 stars
    This one pan enchilada meatballs recipe is packed with bold flavors. Plus it’s easy to make. I look forward to dipping some bread in that delicious sauce. Wonderful!

  5. Moop Brown

    September 4, 2023 at 11:25 pm

    I love enchiladas and love meatballs but have never thought to combine the two. This recipe seems super tasty and creative.

  6. Pam

    January 28, 2024 at 7:15 pm

    Made this tonight with homemade enchilada sauce & it was delicious! Served it with tortilla chips & side salad. A definite keeper, thank you!

  7. Tristin

    January 28, 2024 at 9:50 pm

    Pam, you are the sweetest! I am beyond thrilled that you loved this recipe. I bet it was even more delicious with your homemade enchilada sauce! Thank you for your kind comment.

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Hey there! Welcome, I am so glad you are here. I’m Tristin, the food-lover, recipe-maker, and photo-taker behind Home Cooked Harvest, which features easy recipes made with tasty ingredients. Read More…

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