Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 chipotle, diced (from a can of chipotle in adobo)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from can of chipotle in adobo)
- 1 (1 ounce) packet lower sodium taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
Sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce from can of chipotle in adobo (adjust for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, diced chipotle pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons adobo sauce, lower sodium taco seasoning, and plain breadcrumbs. Mix the ingredients well until evenly incorporated, then form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Bake meatballs: Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 to 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (adjust to taste), kosher salt, and ground coriander in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to warm through.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them into the skillet with the warm chipotle tomato sauce. Coat the meatballs well with the sauce and cook together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the chipotle meatballs warm over cooked rice. Optionally add avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of adobo sauce in the sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- If breadcrumbs are not available, crushed crackers or oats can be used as a binder.
- These meatballs reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
