Ah, jalapenos and meatballs—a match made in culinary heaven! Imagine biting into a juicy meatball only to be met by the spicy embrace of jalapenos and the creamy surprise of melted cheese. These meatballs might just have you forgetting about the latest TikTok food trend—I’m looking at you, butter boards—because once you’ve tasted these, they’re impossible to forget.
Steps
- Begin by mixing diced jalapeños with your chosen ground meat. Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your desired spice level.
- Form the meat mixture into balls, and create a small indentation in the center of each. Fill this space with cream cheese, then seal the meat around it to enclose the cheese completely.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake them in a preheated oven until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Once done, allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them plain, or pair them with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or use them in a sandwich with BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or pork, chicken, or any ground meat)
- 1/2 to 3 whole jalapeños, diced (depending on desired spice level)
- Cream cheese, for stuffing the meatballs
FAQ
- Can I use different types of meat for Jalapeño Popper Meatballs?
- Yes, you can! While beef is a popular choice, these meatballs can be made with pork, chicken, or any other ground meat you prefer.
- How can I control the spiciness of the meatballs?
- The level of heat can be adjusted by the number of jalapeños you use. For a mild flavor, use half a jalapeño. For medium heat, use 1-2 jalapeños, and for a spicier kick, use 3 whole jalapeños.
- Can I freeze Jalapeño Popper Meatballs for later use?
- Absolutely. You can prepare a large batch of these meatballs and freeze them. When you’re ready to cook, simply add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
- What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?
- Jalapeño Popper Meatballs can be served on their own as a main dish or paired with rice or mashed potatoes. They also make a delicious sub when served with BBQ sauce instead of marinara.
- Where can I find a visual guide for this recipe?
- You can watch a step-by-step video tutorial by Rachel on platforms like YouTube, Facebook Watch, and the official website, where the complete collection of recipes is available.
Tips
- For a milder version, adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preference, starting with just half a jalapeño for a kid-friendly meal, and increasing to three for a spicier kick.
- Consider making a large batch of these meatballs and freezing them for later use; just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake them from frozen.
- Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as pork or chicken, to change up the flavor profile of your jalapeño popper meatballs.
- Try serving these meatballs on a sub with barbecue sauce instead of marinara for a unique twist, or pair them with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Equipment
- Meatball Maker or Scoop: For shaping uniform meatballs.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs in the oven.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the ingredients.
- Jalapeño Corer: If you want an easy tool to deseed the jalapeños.
