Taco meatball recipe​

If you love tacos and crave juicy meatballs, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds. Taco meatballs combine the bold, zesty flavors of classic taco seasoning with tender, oven-baked meatballs that are perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Whether you serve them on a plate with rice, stuff them into tortillas, or skewer them for easy snacking, these taco-inspired meatballs are a fun twist on traditional comfort food.

What makes these taco meatballs so appealing is how versatile and satisfying they are. You’ll love how quickly they come together with simple pantry ingredients, and how easily you can customize them with your favorite toppings or sides. Plus, they freeze beautifully for make-ahead meals making them a practical and flavorful addition to your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these taco-inspired meatballs. This list is organized for easy reference:

• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 tablespoon diced onion or green onion

How To Make The Perfect Taco Meatballs

Creating the perfect taco meatballs is all about technique and attention to detail. Here’s an expanded guide with tips to help you along the way:

Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients

Before starting, ensure you have all your tools and ingredients ready:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully reach the temperature.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Chop any fresh herbs (like cilantro) and mince your garlic to save time during the mixing process.

Mix the Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, taco seasoning, egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic.
• Gently mix the ingredients using your hands or a wooden spoon. The key here is to mix just until the ingredients are combined overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.

Roll the Meatballs

• Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
• For extra precision, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh each ball if you want them exactly the same size.

Bake the Meatballs

• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes.
• Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

Let the Meatballs Rest

• Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest on the tray for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatballs moist and flavorful.
• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.

Planning a party? Serve these meatballs as appetizers alongside Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas for a crowd-pleasing Mexican spread!

Variations of Taco Meatballs

1. Make Them Spicy

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

2. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Version

Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.

3. Dairy-Free Option

Omit the cheese or use a plant-based shredded cheese.

4. Vegetarian Taco Meatballs

Swap the ground meat with cooked lentils, black beans, or mashed chickpeas. Use a flax egg and adjust the texture with additional breadcrumbs.

FAQs

What Is the Secret of a Tender Meatball?

To achieve tender, juicy meatballs, follow these key tips:

1. Use a Mix of Meats

• Combine different types of meat, such as beef, pork, and veal, for better flavor and texture.
• Lean meats alone can result in dry meatballs; adding fattier cuts helps retain moisture.

2. Soak Breadcrumbs in Liquid

• Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk or water before mixing them with the meat.
• This step, called a “panade,” ensures the meatballs stay soft and moist.

3. Don’t Overwork the Meat

• Gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.

4. Add Moisture-Rich Ingredients

• Incorporate grated onion, eggs, or ricotta cheese to keep the meatballs tender.
• Avoid adding too much egg, as it can make the mixture dense.

5. Season Generously

• Add salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance flavor.
• Fresh parsley, oregano, or basil work especially well for Italian-style meatballs.

6. Cook Gently

• Whether frying or baking, avoid high heat, which can dry out the meatballs.
• Simmer meatballs in sauce for added moisture and flavor.

What’s the Difference Between a Meatball and a Burger Patty?

Though meatballs and burger patties share similar base ingredients, their preparation, texture, and purpose differ significantly.

1. Shape and Size

• Meatballs: Round, bite-sized, designed for dishes like pasta or soups.
• Burger Patties: Flat, large, meant to fit buns for sandwiches.

2. Ingredients

• Meatballs often include binders like breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk, along with seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices.
• Burger patties typically contain just ground meat with minimal seasoning, focusing on the natural beef flavor.

3. Cooking Method

• Meatballs can be fried, baked, or simmered in sauce, which affects their flavor and texture.
• Burger patties are usually grilled, pan-fried, or cooked on a griddle.

4. Purpose

• Meatballs are a versatile addition to pasta dishes, appetizers, or soups.
• Burger patties are specifically designed for burgers as the main component of a sandwich.

Are Meatballs Better Fried or Baked?

Both frying and baking meatballs have their advantages, depending on your preference and recipe requirements.

Frying Meatballs

• Pros:
  • Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that enhances flavor.
  • Allows for quick cooking in smaller batches.
• Cons:
  • Requires more oil and attention during cooking.
  • Can be messy and adds extra calories.

Baking Meatballs

• Pros:
  • Healthier option as it uses less oil.
  • Convenient for cooking larger batches at once.
  • Provides even cooking when placed on a wire rack or parchment paper.
• Cons:
  • May lack the crispy texture frying provides.
  • Takes slightly longer than frying.

Recommendation:

• Fry meatballs for a richer flavor and crispy exterior, especially for standalone dishes.
• Bake meatballs if you’re adding them to a sauce later or prefer a healthier option.

For dessert, consider finishing your meal with Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls for a sweet, fruity treat.

Taco Meatballs

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20 meatballs 1x

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Description

These taco meatballs bring together the zesty, bold flavors of classic taco seasoning with tender, juicy oven-baked meatballs. Perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or party appetizer, they’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and freeze beautifully for busy weeks. Serve them over rice, tuck them into tortillas, or enjoy them on skewers these taco-inspired meatballs are a flavorful twist on traditional comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs
1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken

2 teaspoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

1 large egg

½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free alternative)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

Optional: 1 tablespoon diced onion or green onion

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Chop the cilantro and mince the garlic to have everything ready.

Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, taco seasoning, egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, cilantro, and minced garlic. Gently mix until just combined avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Shape the Meatballs
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Bake the Meatballs
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve
Let the meatballs rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Notes

For a keto/low-carb option, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
These meatballs freeze wonderfully store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Great served in tacos, over rice, or on skewers as an appetizer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: taco meatballs, baked meatballs, Mexican lunch, easy meatballs, taco-inspired