Take inspiration from the 4AM fever dream that led Mary to create a Taco Meatball Skillet with classic taco spices and toppings.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 35 min |
| Active: | 35 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1/3 cup (45 grams) fine breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) light flavored beer
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large egg
- 1 pound (450 to 500 grams) lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons (156 milliliters) canned tomato paste
- 15 ounces (about 430 milliliters) salsa
- Toppings such as sour cream, grated Cheddar, pickled jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onion, corn chips and cilantro
- Flour tortillas or prepared rice, optional
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400 degrees F and lightly coat a sheet pan with a little oil.
- Stir together the breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of the beer in a large bowl and set aside.
- Set a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon of oil. Add in the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and lightly golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, remove from the heat and transfer half into the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, oregano and red pepper flakes. Add half of this spice mixture into the breadcrumb mixture and stir well to combine. Add in the egg and ground beef, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and, using two forks or your fingers almost like rakes, mix just until combined.
- Divide the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan into roughly 20 walnut-sized mounds and roll into meatballs. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, lightly dampen them with tap water before continuing to form the meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs until cooked through, 14 to 16 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce and toppings. Return the pan to medium heat and add in the remaining spice mixture. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and bring the flavors together, then deglaze the pan with the remaining 1/2 cup of beer. Stir in the tomato paste along with 1/2 cup of water and whisk until smooth. Stir in the salsa and turn down the heat to low.
- Add the meatballs into the sauce, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to bring the flavors together.
- To serve, top the meatball skillet with some sour cream, grated Cheddar, pickled jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, corn chips and cilantro. Serve with flour tortillas or rice, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 4 servings |
| Calories | 549 |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Cholesterol | 127 mg |
| Sodium | 1657 mg |
Reviews
Really good. I would probably cut back on the chili powder next time. Maybe 1/2 tablespoon less.
We loved it we made rice and peas and I used gochujang in instead of tomato paste
I made this today but served it on pasta
Delicious