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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Homemade Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce

    PUBLISHED: February 15, 2022 • By Toni Dash 8 Comments

    Homemade Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    homemade meatballs with chipotle sauce with fork

    This delicious Homemade Meatball recipe is sparked up with an easy spicy Chipotle Sauce! The flavorful meatballs take on a south-of-the border twist with earthy flavors.

    homemade meatballs with chipotle sauce with fork

    These easy meatballs are a true departure from classic Italian meatballs. The moist meatballs have so much flavor thanks to this new favorite sauce. If you love Mexican food flavor and the smoky taste of chipotle peppers this twist on classic homemade meatballs is for you.

    The homemade sauce is easy and quick to make. And the homemade meatballs recipe can be used with other sauces too.

    Serve them over pasta or some cilantro lime rice!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredient Notes
    • How to make Homemade Meatballs – Step-by-Step
    • How to make Chipotle Sauce
    • Variations
    • How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
    • Pro Tips
    • How to Store
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More recipes you’ll love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredient Notes

    meatballs with chipotle sauce labelled ingredients

    Lean ground beef. We recommend using a lean ground beef to reduce the fat released when the meatballs cook.

    Breadcrumbs. Regular or gluten-free bread crumbs can be used.

    Chipotles en adobo. These are canned chipotle peppers with adobo sauce. You’ll find them in the international section of the grocery store. They are spicy peppers in a smoky sauce. If gluten-free be sure to read the ingredient label for any added wheat.

    Tomato sauce. You’ll need two 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce (regular not seasoned with special ingredient).

    Milk. We recommend dairy milk. Any fat content will work.

    How to make Homemade Meatballs – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or foil for easier clean up.

    STEP 2. Make the meatballs

    In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped Italian parsley, garlic powder, mayonnaise, eggs, milk, salt and black pepper. Mix together just until combined (overmixing can cause the meatballs to be tough) (photos 1-3).

    Scoop the meatball mixture into 1 1/4-inch diameter meatballs (using a scoop or a spoon) and roll gently into a smooth ball. Place meatballs on the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.

    homemade meatballs and chipotle sauce recipe steps 1-4

    STEP 3. Bake

    Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. While they are baking make the Chipotle Sauce.

    How to make Chipotle Sauce

    STEP 4. Sauté

    In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.

    Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté one additional minute. Remove from heat.

    STEP 5. Blend

    Add the onions and garlic to a blender along with the tomato sauce, salt and 3-4 small chipotle peppers en adobo. Blend until smooth (photo 4).

    STEP 6. Cook

    Add the sauce back to the Dutch oven, cover and bring to a simmer over low heat. Add the semi cooked meatballs, toss to coat with sauce.

    Simmer for 30 minutes covered. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.

    homemade meatballs with chipotle sauce in skillet overhead

    STEP 7. Serve!

    Serve meatballs with pasta or rice. Leftover meatballs are great for meatball sub sandwiches too!

    Variations

    Change up the ground meat. This easy meatball recipe is can be changed up with other types of meat ground turkey for turkey meatballs or ground pork. Making them with a combination of beef and pork (ground Italian sausage if using making Italian food) adds great flavor too!

    Use with a different sauce. The simple ingredients in these tender meatballs makes them work with Marinara Sauce or any kind of sauce. Even a jar sauce you love when you are in a hurry.

    Use different fresh herbs. Instead of fresh parsley swap in a different fresh herb like cilantro. Or if pairing with a spaghetti sauce, add some fresh basil and some Italian seasoning.

    Don’t have breadcrumbs? Swap in crushed crackers instead.

    homemade meatballs with chipotle sauce on plate close up

    How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs

    This is a great recipe for freezing the meatballs before cooking them!

    1. Prepare the meatballs are directed (the meat mixture and meatballs only).
    2. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet with some space in between them.
    3. Put the tray in the freezer and allow the meatballs to freeze solid.
    4. When frozen remove the baking sheet and place the frozen meatballs in a freezer bag or freezer container for 1-2 months.
    5. When ready to cook them allow them to thaw in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe.

    Pro Tips

    Use a #60 cookie scoop. Using a scoop makes quick work of scooping the meatballs. Use a #60 scoop to make 1 1/4-inch diameter meatballs.

    homemade meatballs with chipotle sauce on plate

    How to Store

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove top or in the microwave.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you keep homemade meatballs from falling apart?

    The combination of ingredients, especially eggs and breadcrumbs, as well as not over handling them will keep the meatballs together. Additionally these are partially baked then finished in a sauce which keeps them moist while they cook so they don’t break apart.

    What to use to bind meatballs?

    The eggs and breadcrumbs act as binders in this recipe. A little bit of mayonnaise is our secret ingredient that keeps them moist too.

    More recipes you’ll love!

    • Easy Italian Baked Meatballs recipe
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    Recipe

    homemade meatballs on plate with chipotle sauce

    Homemade Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce

    These moist, tender homemade meatballs are perfectly paired with a spicy, earthy Chipotle Sauce for a south-of-the-border twist! A hearty satisfying meal!
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Latin American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 8 5-6 meatball servings (total yield: 48 1.25-inch meatballs)
    Calories: 264kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Meatballs

    • 2 pounds lean ground beef
    • 3/4 cup milk
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
    • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Chipotle Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
    • 3 cloves garlic diced
    • 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
    • 3-4 small chipotle peppers en adobo
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    Meatballs

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or foil for easier clean up.
    • In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped Italian parsley, mayonnaise, garlic powder, mayonnaise, salt and black pepper.
      Mix together just until combined (overmixing can cause the meatballs to be tough).
    • Scoop the meatball mixture into 1 1/4-inch diameter meatballs (using a #60 cookie scoop or a spoon) and roll gently into a smooth ball. Place meatballs on the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.
    • Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. While they are baking make the Chipotle Sauce.

    Chipotle Sauce

    • In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
    • Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté one additional minute. Remove from heat.
    • Add the onions and garlic to a blender along with the tomato sauce, salt and chipotle peppers en adobo. Blend until smooth.
    • Add the sauce back to the Dutch oven, cover and bring to a simmer over low heat. Add the semi cooked meatballs, toss to coat with sauce.
    • Simmer for 30 minutes covered. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
    • Serve meatballs with pasta or rice. Leftover meatballs are great for meatball sub sandwiches too!

    Notes

    How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
    This is a great recipe for freezing the meatballs before cooking them!
    1. Prepare the meatballs are directed (the meat mixture and meatballs only).
    2. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet with some space in between them.
    3. Put the tray in the freezer and allow the meatballs to freeze solid.
    4. When frozen remove the baking sheet and place the frozen meatballs in a freezer bag or freezer container for 1-2 months.
    5. When ready to cook them allow them to thaw in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe.
    How to Store
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan on the stove top or in the microwave.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 828mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jessica says

      February 15, 2022 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      Mmmm! This chipotle sauce is my FAVE! It’s not only delicious on these meatballs but I’m going to start putting it on some of my other favorite dishes too. Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Sam says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:47 am

      5 stars
      Outstanding recipe thanks so much! It tasted great.

      Reply
    3. Taylor says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:47 am

      5 stars
      These meatballs are DELICIOUS! Tender, juicy and just the right amount of heat in the sauce. We served them over rice and they were a huge hit!

      Reply
    4. Katherine says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:43 am

      5 stars
      Yes please! This takes meatballs to the next level!

      Reply
    5. Tavo says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:42 am

      5 stars
      I just made this for lunch and the meatballs were so good! thank you!

      Reply
    6. Allyssa says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

      Reply
    7. Jessica Stroup says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      These are amazing! I made them for dinner tonight!

      Reply
    8. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      February 15, 2022 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      I never thought to add mayonnaise to the meatball mix – what a great idea! Also, I love these ease of batch making these and freezing too.

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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