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homemade meatballs on plate with chipotle sauce
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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!
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

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