Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs

Spice Up Your Dinner with Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs!

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods. Our Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs combine the savory goodness of juicy beef meatballs with the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeño poppers. This innovative twist on classic appetizers is sure to become a new favorite for family dinners and party platters alike.

As you bite into these flavorful morsels, you’ll experience a delightful contrast of textures – the crispy exterior giving way to tender meat and a molten core of cream cheese and jalapeños. The aroma of sizzling beef mingled with the enticing scent of roasted peppers will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table in anticipation.

These stuffed meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile. Serve them as a bold appetizer, pair them with pasta for a hearty main course, or nestle them in a crusty roll for an unforgettable sandwich. The combination of protein-rich beef and the metabolism-boosting properties of jalapeños makes this dish a satisfying option for those looking to indulge without completely derailing their health goals.

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 ounces cream cheese softened

2 jalapeno peppers seeded and finely diced

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.

3. Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions.

4. Take one portion of the beef mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center.

5. Carefully wrap the beef around the filling, sealing it completely and forming a meatball. Repeat with the remaining beef and filling.

6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

7. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

8. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.

9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation.

3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

Notes:

• For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before dicing.
• To increase the heat, leave some seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or atop a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal option.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 3 meatballs

Calories: 420

Fat: 32g

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 8g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 680mg

Other Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Equipment: Large mixing bowls, oven-safe skillet, oven or air fryer

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

Total cost: $10 (serves 4)

In Conclusion, Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs

These Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Meatballs offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining the best of two popular dishes into one irresistible package. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer or a fun twist on dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of lean beef, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños creates a harmonious blend that will keep you coming back for more. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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