Best Easy Albóndigas en Chipotle Recipe

Juicy Mexican meatballs simmered in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce, packed with herbs and rice. A comforting, protein-rich family meal that kids and adults alike will love.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 330 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • cooked white rice 0.5 cup
  • egg 1 piece
  • fresh cilantro 0.25 cup
  • white onion 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • chipotle peppers in adobo 2 pieces
  • canned crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • chicken broth 1.5 cups
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 26%
Protein 23 g 28%
Fat 15 g 46%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, beaten egg, chopped cilantro, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands just until the ingredients are incorporated to avoid compact meatballs.

  2. 2

    Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, around 1.5 inches each. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    For the sauce, blend canned crushed tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic cloves, and dried oregano until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

  4. 4

    In a large, wide pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the blended chipotle tomato sauce and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

  5. 5

    Slowly pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring the sauce to a low simmer. Gently add meatballs into the sauce in a single layer. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the meatballs so they cook evenly and remain moist.

  6. 6

    Check for doneness: meatballs should be cooked through but still juicy. If desired, simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredient in Albóndigas en Chipotle is ground beef, giving the meatballs their rich, savory texture and flavor. The chipotle peppers in adobo and crushed tomatoes define the smoky, robust sauce that sets this dish apart.
Q. Which step is most important for juicy, tender meatballs?
Step 1 is crucial—mix the ground beef, rice, egg, onion, and cilantro gently. Over-mixing can make the meatballs dense. Also, simmering them gently in sauce (steps 5 and 6) with the lid on retains moisture, keeping the albóndigas tender.
Q. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart or overcooking?
Use cooked rice and an egg as binders (step 1), form the balls carefully, and simmer over low heat (step 5). Avoid boiling or stirring too much during cooking. Gently spoon sauce over the top and cook covered so meatballs stay intact and moist.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what is the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each 250g serving contains about 330 kcal, with 23g protein (28% of calories) and 22g carbohydrates (26% of calories). This makes it a protein-rich meal with a strong balance of flavor and nutrition.
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