Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Taco Meatball Skillet

Juicy Taco Meatball Skillet Recipe Ready in 45 Minutes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make taco meatball skillet with a rich sauce and delicious toppings.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon 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

  1. Heat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a sheet pan with a little oil.
  2. Stir together the breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of the beer in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Set a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon of oil.
  4. Add in the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and lightly golden brown, 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the garlic, remove from the heat, and transfer half into the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Add half of this spice mixture into the breadcrumb mixture and stir well to combine.
  8. Add in the egg and ground beef, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and mix just until combined.
  9. Divide the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan into roughly 20 walnut-sized mounds and roll into meatballs.
  10. Bake the meatballs until cooked through, 14-16 minutes.
  11. Return the pan to medium heat and add in the remaining spice mixture. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  12. Deglaze the pan with the remaining 1/2 cup of beer.
  13. Stir in the tomato paste along with 1/2 cup of water and whisk until smooth.
  14. Stir in the salsa and turn down the heat to low.
  15. Add the meatballs into the sauce, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
  16. Top with sour cream, grated Cheddar, pickled jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, corn chips, and cilantro. Serve with tortillas or rice if desired.

Notes

  • If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them with water before forming meatballs.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking and Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Kosher

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg