Taco Meatballs: A Flavorful and Easy Tex-Mex Recipe for Beginners
🔥 Taco Meatballs are the ultimate Tex-Mex twist on a classic! Juicy, seasoned meatballs are packed with bold taco spices, then baked to perfection and served with your favorite dips or stuffed into tacos. A fun, easy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 🌮🧄🧀
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 450°F. This ensures that the meatballs cook quickly and develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Using clean hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a spoon or small scoop, portion out about two tablespoons of the meat mixture for each meatball. Roll the mixture between your hands to create evenly sized meatballs. This helps them cook at the same rate and prevents some from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that they are spaced apart so air can circulate around them. This helps them cook evenly and develop a slight crust on the outside.
Step 5: Bake the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful. Serve with guacamole, salsa, or any favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- When mixing the ingredients, avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to dense and tough meatballs. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will yield the best texture.
- Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon helps create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking.
- If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, lightly wetting hands with water can make rolling easier.
- Checking for doneness is important to avoid undercooked meat. If a meat thermometer is unavailable, cutting one meatball open can help determine if it is fully cooked. The meat should be firm with no pink center.
- If the meatballs brown too quickly in the oven, covering them loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking can help prevent over-browning while ensuring they cook through.