Mexican Surprise Meatballs

Mexican Surprise Meatballs Recipe - A Delicious Dish from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Mexican Surprise Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of ground beef with the tangy kick of picante sauce. These meatballs are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even just a weeknight dinner. The surprise comes from the hidden Spanish olive in the center of each meatball, adding a burst of flavor with every bite.

History

The exact origins of Mexican Surprise Meatballs are unclear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican meatball recipes. The addition of Spanish olives and picante sauce gives these meatballs a unique twist that sets them apart from more traditional meatball dishes.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread, torn into small pieces
0.5 cup of milk
2 lb (907 g) of lean ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
0.25 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
50 pimento-stuffed spanish olives
2 jars (16 oz (454 g) each) of Pace(R) picante sauce

How to prepare

Soak bread in milk.
Mix beef, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, bread mixture, and black pepper thoroughly and shape firmly into 1" meatballs, placing 1 olive in the center of each meatball.
Place in a baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes or until meatballs are done.
Place meatballs in a saucepot. Add picante sauce and heat through.
Serve with wooden picks. Makes 50 meatballs.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Add diced jalapenos or green chilies to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of olives, such as green olives or stuffed olives, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients for the meatballs to ensure that they hold together well.

- Soaking the bread in milk helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

- Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.

- Use a wooden pick to serve the meatballs for easy eating at parties or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Surprise Meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating, or as a main dish with rice or tortillas on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven helps to cook them evenly and retain their shape. Heating the meatballs in the picante sauce on the stovetop helps to infuse them with flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead. You can also use breadcrumbs instead of torn bread for the meatball mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also freeze the meatballs before baking for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Surprise Meatballs on a platter with a bowl of picante sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced olives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Surprise Meatballs pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Surprise Meatballs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Surprise Meatballs contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Surprise Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Surprise Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Surprise Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Mexican Surprise Meatballs contain dairy (milk) and eggs.

Summary

Mexican Surprise Meatballs are a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexican Surprise Meatballs are a fun and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With a hidden olive in the center of each meatball and a tangy picante sauce, these meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic dish. Serve them as an appetizer or main dish for a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Mexico. Maria was an incredible cook, and she always seemed to effortlessly whip up the most delicious dishes. On this particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to watch her make her famous Mexican Surprise Meatballs.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I knew I had to learn how to make these meatballs for myself. Maria had a way of infusing each dish she made with so much love and flavor, and I wanted to bring a little piece of her culinary expertise back home with me.

I asked Maria if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a weathered, stained piece of paper with the handwritten recipe on it. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

To make the meatballs, I would need ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, diced bell pepper, eggs, and a blend of Mexican spices. The surprise element came from the filling - a mixture of cream cheese, jalapenos, and shredded cheddar cheese that would be tucked inside each meatball.

Maria showed me how to combine the ingredients to form the meatball mixture, and then how to carefully stuff each one with the creamy cheese filling. She explained that the key to a successful meatball was to handle the mixture gently and not overwork it, so the meatballs would be tender and juicy.

As the meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce on the stove, Maria shared stories with me about her own grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was a young girl. She spoke of the memories they had shared in the kitchen, and how she hoped to pass on those traditions to her own grandchildren one day.

I could see the love and pride in Maria's eyes as she spoke about her family and the importance of good food in bringing people together. It was clear to me that cooking was not just a task for her, but a way to connect with her roots and honor her heritage.

When the meatballs were finally done, Maria plated them up with a side of fluffy rice and warm tortillas. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

The first bite of the Mexican Surprise Meatballs was a revelation. The combination of flavors was nothing short of divine - the spicy kick of the jalapenos, the creamy richness of the cheese, and the savory goodness of the meatballs all melded together in perfect harmony.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own home. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her culinary secrets with me and promised to carry on the tradition of making these meatballs for my own family and friends.

And so, every time I make Mexican Surprise Meatballs, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the love and warmth of a dear friend. The recipe may have originated from her, but the memories and the joy that come with it are all my own. Cooking truly is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am grateful for the lessons learned and the connections made through food. And that, my dears, is the story of how I learned to make the most delicious Mexican Surprise Meatballs you'll ever taste.