Chili Meatballs Recipe

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 08/21/19
Chili Meatballs
Chili Meatballs Recipe Photo: Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 65 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
518 Calories
18g Fat
52g Carbs
39g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 518
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 251mg 84%
Sodium 339mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Protein 39g
Calcium 95mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These flavorful chili-seasoned meatballs are great with hot cooked rice or potatoes. Use diced tomatoes with chili seasonings, or add another teaspoon of chili powder and a little cumin and oregano to plain diced tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (or more ground beef)
  • 1/2 cup onions (finely chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro (fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green, finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 to 1 cup bread crumbs (fine, dry)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 cans tomatoes (zesty chili-style diced; 14 1/2 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Steps to Make It

  1. Line a shallow baking pan with foil. Heat oven to 425°.

  2. Combine the meatball ingredients, adding enough breadcrumbs to make a firm mixture.

  3. Shape into 1- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange in one layer in the prepared pan.

  4. Bake for about 15 minutes.

  5. Remove and turn the meatballs; return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes longer.

  6. Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a large saucepan. With a slotted spoon or tongs, add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

  7. Serve with hot cooked rice, with freshly baked cornbread and cooked beans on the side, if desired.

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