Southwestern Salsa Meatballs

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs Recipe - Bold and Flavorful Option from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful appetizer or main dish that combines the savory taste of sausage with the zesty kick of salsa. These meatballs are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or just a fun weeknight dinner.

History

The origins of Southwestern Salsa Meatballs are a bit unclear, but it is believed that this recipe was inspired by traditional meatball recipes with a Southwestern twist. The combination of sausage, salsa, and spices creates a unique and tasty dish that is sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of Bob Evans Original Recipe roll sausage
1 (16 oz (454 g)) jar of prepared salsa - medium heat
1.25 cups of plain bread crumbs
1 egg
1.25 tsp of granulated sugar
0.75 to 1 cup of diced red bell pepper
0.75 cup of diced green bell pepper
0.5 cup of sliced scallions - green part only
1.5 tsp of ground cumin
0.5 to 0.75 tsp of garlic powder

How to prepare

In a medium-sized bowl, add sausage, egg, and 1 cup of salsa (8 oz or 227 g). Add bread crumbs until the mixture starts to firm.
Combine the mixture with the cut vegetables and seasoning. Form into 1.5 to 2-inch meatballs and place them on a non-stick cookie sheet. Leave space between the meatballs. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the oven.
Serve with the remaining salsa in a dish and a side container of wooden picks on a tray.
Makes approximately 24 to 26 meatballs. Refrigerate leftovers. Enjoy!

Variations

Use spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Add some shredded cheese to the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sausage for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality sausage for the best flavor.

- Don't overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.

- Be sure to leave enough space between the meatballs on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

- Serve the meatballs with extra salsa for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southwestern Salsa Meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking, or as a main dish with rice or a salad on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape. Be sure to check them periodically to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bell peppers on hand, you can use any other type of vegetable in the meatball mixture, such as onions or zucchini.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the meatballs. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious meal on hand.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Southwestern Salsa Meatballs on a platter with a bowl of extra salsa for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs pair well with a side of Spanish rice, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables. They also go great with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southwestern Salsa Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Salsa Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Salsa Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Salsa Meatballs contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the bell peppers in the recipe. They also contain iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (bread crumbs), so it may not be suitable for those with egg or wheat allergies.

Summary

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs are a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southwestern Salsa Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful combination of sausage, salsa, and spices, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Southwestern Salsa Meatballs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Mexican dishes, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes.

As we chatted and sipped on cool glasses of iced tea, Maria pulled out her worn recipe book and flipped to a page filled with handwritten notes and splatters of sauce. "This is it," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Southwestern Salsa Meatballs. They are a crowd favorite at parties and always disappear in minutes."

I watched eagerly as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to walk me through the steps. She explained how she had learned to make the meatballs from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from Mexico. Over the years, Maria had added her own twist to the dish, incorporating flavors from the Southwest that she had picked up from her travels.

The process was surprisingly simple. We mixed ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that included cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Maria's secret ingredient was a spoonful of salsa that added a burst of flavor to the meatballs. As we rolled the mixture into bite-sized balls, Maria shared stories of cooking with her grandmother and the joy of passing down recipes through the generations.

Once the meatballs were formed, we browned them in a skillet until they were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The smell of sizzling meat filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. Maria then poured a jar of spicy salsa over the meatballs and let them simmer in the sauce until they were coated in a thick, flavorful glaze.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Maria explained that the key to a good meatball was in the seasoning. Each bite should be bursting with a harmonious blend of spices and herbs, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth. The salsa added a tangy kick that cut through the richness of the meat, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

I savored each bite of the Southwestern Salsa Meatballs, marveling at how something so simple could be so delicious. The meat was tender and moist, the spices rich and aromatic, and the salsa added a zesty punch that lingered on my palate. Maria smiled at my expression of delight, knowing that she had once again shared a piece of her culinary heritage with me.

From that day on, Southwestern Salsa Meatballs became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always with a nod to Maria and her grandmother who had first inspired the recipe. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of gratitude for the traditions that had been passed down to me.

As I continued to learn and grow as a cook, I realized that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They were a link to the past, a way to connect with loved ones, and a means of preserving memories for future generations. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from Maria and her Southwestern Salsa Meatballs, and I look forward to sharing them with my own grandchildren one day.