This hearty dish is a Mexican-inspired take on meatballs, served in a rich black bean and tomato sauce. With a combination of spices, savory meatballs, and crispy chorizo topping, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly nights and is sure to impress your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ounce dried ancho or other large dried red chiles

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds

• Sea salt and cracked black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon malt vinegar

• 1/2 cup beef stock

• 2 (14-ounce) cans chopped tomatoes

• 2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

For the Topping:

• 2 (3 1/2-ounce) dried chorizos, skin removed and roughly chopped

• Steamed rice and sour cream, to serve

Directions

1. Prepare the Chiles: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the ancho chiles and boiling water in a bowl, letting them soak for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and roughly chop the chiles, reserving the soaking liquid.

2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the milk to absorb. Add the beef, egg, garlic, cilantro, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then shape into tablespoon-sized meatballs using wet hands.

3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, shallow, ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden. Stir in tomato paste, sugar, and vinegar, cooking for another minute. Add beef stock, chopped tomatoes, black beans, smoked paprika, and the reserved chile soaking liquid. Bring to a boil.

5. Bake: Return the meatballs to the pan, then transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through.

6. Make the Chorizo Topping: In a food processor, finely chop the chorizo. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and cook the chorizo for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden.

7. Serve: Serve the meatballs over steamed rice, topping them with the crispy chorizo and a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~600 per serving (depending on portion size)

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 54g

• Fiber: 10g

• Sugar: 10g

This recipe combines savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, offering a truly satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

The Origin and Popularity of Mexican-Inspired Meatballs

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its rich, bold flavors that come from a combination of spices, chilies, and fresh ingredients. Meatballs, or albóndigas, are a traditional part of Mexican cooking, often served in hearty soups or tomato-based sauces. This recipe takes the classic Mexican meatball and gives it a modern twist by incorporating black beans, a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and pairing it with an irresistibly rich tomato sauce.

The combination of meatballs with beans and tomatoes isn’t just delicious; it’s also nutritious, providing a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. By adding chorizo as a crispy topping, this dish introduces an additional layer of smokiness and spice, making it even more appealing. This Mexican-inspired meatball dish offers a wonderful fusion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico.

The Key Ingredients: Spices, Beef, and Chorizo

What makes this dish so special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients. The meatballs are made with ground beef, which is often preferred for its rich, hearty texture that holds up well in sauces. The addition of fresh white breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatballs tender and moist. Garlic, cilantro, and ground coriander seeds add a fragrant, savory base, while the ancho chile adds a touch of smokiness and heat, setting this dish apart from typical meatball recipes.

The sauce is another key component of this dish, bringing together olive oil, onions, garlic, tomato paste, and brown sugar for a rich, slightly sweet base. The addition of smoked paprika deepens the sauce’s flavor, while the black beans provide an earthy, slightly creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomatoes. This savory, hearty sauce perfectly complements the meatballs, creating a dish that is flavorful without being overwhelming.

Finally, the chorizo topping adds a unique texture and flavor. Chorizo, a type of Mexican sausage, is known for its bold seasoning, which typically includes paprika, garlic, and chili powder. When cooked until crispy, it adds a satisfying crunch and a smoky richness to the meatball dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Preparing the Chiles: The Flavor Foundation

The use of dried ancho chiles in this recipe is a key element that infuses the meatballs and sauce with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Anchos are dried poblano chiles, commonly used in Mexican cooking for their mild heat and deep flavor. The first step in preparing the chiles is to soak them in boiling water until they soften. This process rehydrates the chiles, allowing their full flavor to be extracted into the dish.

Once the chiles have soaked, they are roughly chopped, and the soaking liquid is reserved for later use. This liquid is added to the sauce, further intensifying the rich flavors and giving it a deep, vibrant color. The ancho chiles also contribute a slight sweetness, which is balanced out by the tangy vinegar and the savory beef stock in the sauce.

Making the Meatball Mixture: A Perfectly Seasoned Base

The meatballs are made from a combination of ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk, and a mix of aromatic herbs and spices. The breadcrumbs provide structure and help keep the meatballs moist, while the milk ensures they are tender. The egg serves as a binding agent, holding everything together.

To season the meatballs, crushed garlic, cilantro, and ground coriander are added. These ingredients impart a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the meatballs, which complements the richness of the beef. Sea salt and cracked black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors. The ancho chiles, previously chopped, are incorporated into the meatball mixture, adding a touch of smokiness and depth.

Once the mixture is combined, it’s important to shape the meatballs using wet hands to prevent sticking. The meatballs should be about the size of a tablespoon, ensuring that they cook evenly in the sauce. Browning the meatballs in batches before adding them to the sauce allows them to develop a crispy exterior, which locks in the juices and flavor.

The Sauce: Savory and Tangy

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and its preparation is just as important as the meatballs themselves. The first step is to sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, creating a savory base for the sauce. After the onions have softened and become golden, tomato paste, brown sugar, and malt vinegar are added. The tomato paste deepens the sauce’s flavor, while the brown sugar and vinegar add a subtle sweetness and tanginess that balance the richness of the meatballs.

Next, beef stock, chopped tomatoes, and black beans are introduced to the pan. The beef stock adds a savory depth, while the tomatoes contribute acidity and juiciness. The black beans, once drained and rinsed, are added for their earthy flavor and creamy texture. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up with rice or a piece of crusty bread.

The reserved chile soaking liquid is added to the sauce to introduce the smoky, slightly sweet notes from the ancho chiles. The addition of smoked paprika further intensifies the flavor, giving the sauce a warm, earthy undertone. Salt and cracked black pepper are added to taste, ensuring that the sauce has a perfect balance of flavors.

Crispy Chorizo Topping: Adding Texture and Flavor

Chorizo is a key component of this dish, providing both texture and flavor. The chorizo is finely chopped in a food processor before being cooked in a frying pan until crispy and golden. This step adds a delightful crunch to the dish, contrasting with the tender meatballs and creamy black beans.

The smoky, spicy flavor of the chorizo complements the savory meatballs and rich sauce, adding an extra layer of depth to the dish. When served over the meatballs, the crispy chorizo creates a beautiful contrast in both texture and flavor, making each bite more satisfying. This topping elevates the dish from a simple meatball recipe to something truly special.

Serving the Dish: A Complete Meal

Once the meatballs have been baked in the sauce and the chorizo is crispy, it’s time to serve. The meatballs are typically served over steamed rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce and provides a base for the rich, savory flavors. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warmth of the meatballs and sauce, balancing the dish perfectly.

This Mexican-inspired meatball dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, flavorful meal. The combination of meatballs, black beans, tomatoes, and crispy chorizo will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with layers of flavor that come together in perfect harmony.

Conclusion

Mexican-Inspired Meatballs with Black Bean and Tomato Sauce is a dish that combines bold flavors, comforting textures, and a rich history of Mexican cuisine. The meatballs are savory and tender, while the sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly smoky. The addition of crispy chorizo adds a unique layer of flavor, making this dish even more irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or as part of a larger gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its perfect balance of spices, savory meatballs, and hearty sauce, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.