Cheesy Chili Lime Meatballs
Juicy and flavorful meatballs with zesty lime, melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and chili slices, perfect as an appetizer or main dish bursting with bold spices.
Equipment
- 1 baking tray lined with parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
- 1 small red chili thinly sliced
- fresh cilantro chopped
- lime wedges
- crushed tortilla chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot meatballs, then return to the oven for 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish the meatballs with chopped cilantro and sliced chili.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- Squeeze lime juice over meatballs before serving for extra zest.
- Add jalapeños for additional heat.
- Combine beef with pork for juicier meatballs.
- Pan-sear before baking for a charred crust.