Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? These Smoky Chipotle Meatballs with Cilantro Lime Rice aren't just a meal—they're a taste sensation that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs with a bold, smoky kick, nestled on a bed of zesty cilantro lime rice that's so irresistible, your family will be begging for seconds before the first bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice, smoky flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tbsp of chipotle in adobo sauce, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to form approximately 16 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cilantro lime rice. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime. Mix until the cilantro is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps to retain their juices.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice on each plate and top it with several smoky chipotle meatballs. You can also drizzle additional chipotle sauce over the top for extra flavor if desired.
- Enjoy your Smoky Chipotle Meatballs with Cilantro Lime Rice while it’s hot, and savor the delicious flavors of this Mexican-inspired dish!
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the perfect internal temperature of 160°F.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting your breadcrumbs before mixing them into the meat.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture—this can make your meatballs tough and dense.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices.
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add an extra tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
