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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes resonate as universally as meatballs. From Italian spaghetti and meatballs to Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce, this culinary staple has made its mark across various cultures. However, today's recipe takes a bold departure from tradition with Spicy Green Chili Meatballs. This dish combines the hearty satisfaction of meatballs with the vibrant kick of green chilies, creating a tantalizing flavor profile that is both spicy and savory. Ideal for those who crave a little heat in their meals, these meatballs are versatile enough to serve as a main dish, an appetizer, or even a filling for sandwiches.

Green Chili Meatballs

Discover the bold flavors of Spicy Green Chili Meatballs, a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining the hearty goodness of meatballs with the exciting kick of green chilies, this recipe is perfect for spice lovers and can be served in various ways—over rice, and pasta, or in tacos. Opt for lean ground meats to create a healthier version packed with flavor and nutrition. Dive into the world of meatballs and elevate your cooking experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter alternative)

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 fresh green chilies, finely chopped (adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup green chili sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp honey (to balance the spice)

1 tsp fresh lime juice

Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Add in the minced garlic, finely chopped green chilies, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped onion. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

    Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Depending on your portion size, you should end up with approximately 18-20 meatballs.

      Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Sear the meatballs for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and cooked through.

        Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, green chili sauce, honey, lime juice, and salt. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

          Combine & Simmer: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the simmering sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Gently stir to ensure the meatballs are well coated in the sauce.

            Serve: Remove from heat and serve the spicy green chili meatballs over a bed of rice, nestled in pasta, or within warm taco shells. Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | Serves 4-6