Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mexican feast! These Albondigas con Chicharron are not just meatballs – they're a flavor explosion that combines the crispy crunch of pork rinds with the smoky heat of chipotle sauce. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chipotle sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of crushed pork rinds, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, 1 cup of chipotle sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed pork rinds, egg, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12 to 16 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Ensure they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the chipotle sauce. If you are using store-bought chipotle sauce, you can heat it in a separate saucepan over low heat. If you prefer to make your own, blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a bit of water until smooth.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the chipotle sauce over them in the skillet, ensuring they are well coated. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, place the meatballs on a platter and drizzle with the chipotle sauce. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Meatballs with Pork Rinds in Chipotle Sauce (Albondigas con Chicharron) with rice, tortillas, or a side salad!
Tips
- Mix with Passion: Use your hands to combine ingredients – it helps distribute flavors more evenly and ensures a tender texture.
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon for consistency.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches to ensure they brown properly and cook evenly.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Sauce Hack: If you want extra depth of flavor, let the meatballs simmer in the chipotle sauce for a few extra minutes to absorb all the delicious spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 393kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 107mg
