Enchilada Meatball Bake

This Enchilada Meatball Bake encompasses everything you know and love about enchiladas. These enchilada meatballs are made with pork and beef, baked to perfection in an enchilada sauce and smothered with cheese. 

Meatballs are such a versatile little treat, I mean if you don’t believe me just check out some of the different things I’ve done with them in my kitchen! Today I’m introducing some sizzling jalapeno, a rich vibrant enchilada sauce, and a meatball made using a combination of pork and beef. It’s all topped off with even more sauce and ooey gooey melted cheese.

Do you guys love meatballs as much as I do? Well if that answer is anything other than yes then just wait till you try this recipe, you’ll be converted. All that rich sauce makes it feel as if you’re truly biting into an enchilada with perfectly melted cheese and perfectly moist meatballs. This recipe is by no means authentic, but it sure is drool worthy.

Ingredients

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Meatballs

• Beef & pork – We’re using a combination of these 2 meats today to ensure a juicy flavorful meatball.
• Enchilada sauce – We’re using store bought today, you can find it in the international aisle of your grocery store or you can follow the link in the section above to make your own.
• Jalapeno – This is a must in my opinion, but if you’d rather not eat anything too spicy feel free to omit it.
• Garlic – Use as much or little as you like.
• Herbs – Fresh oregano and cilantro chopped up fine.
• Onion – We’re just using chopped green onion for a nice sweet mellow onion flavor today.
• Breadcrumbs – I used store bought panko breadcrumbs today. It’ll absorb tons of flavor and is the best option if you’re not using fresh crumbs.
• Seasoning – Salt and pepper to taste.

Bake

• Enchilada sauce – We’re using another entire can for our bake.
• Cheese – Monterey Jack shredded fresh.

Additional Toppings

• Veggies – Avocado, tomatoes, more jalapeños.
• Herbs – Cilantro and green onion.
• Condiments – Salsa and sour cream.

How To Make Enchilada Meatball Bake

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Form the meatballs: In a large bowl add all the meatball ingredients and mix well using your clean hands. Shape the meat mixture into balls around the size of a golf ball. You should get around 30 meatballs.
3. Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. In a large skillet or a casserole dish, pour the enchilada sauce over the entire bottom. Sprinkle with about half of the cheese. Place the meatballs over the sauce then top with the remaining cheese. Bake the casserole for another 20 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown on top.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with the optional toppings, if preferred.

Frying Meatballs

Alternatively you can fry these meatballs in a large skillet until brown all over. Do not remove them from the skillet, simply pour the sauce over them then top with cheese, then place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes as specified. This will turn this recipe into a one pot dish.

If you choose to fry these meatballs you will want to place them formed and raw in the fridge for 1 hour before frying, this will ensure they retain their shape while cooking.

Storing Leftovers

In an airtight container these meatballs will keep for up to 3 – 4 days in the fridge. To freeze, just spread the cooked meatballs separately on a baking sheet and place in the freezer till they’re just frozen. Remove them and place in a freezer bag or other airtight container and place back in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat allow these meatballs to thaw overnight in the fridge and pop them in your rolls and follow the instructions above to finish the dish.

More Delicious Meatball Recipes To Try:

• Chimichurri Meatballs
• Greek Meatballs
• Sweet and Spicy Korean Meatballs
• Dutch Meatballs
• Stout Meatballs with BBQ Sauce
• Porcupine Meatballs
• Firecracker Meatballs
• Meatball Parmesan