Description
Donkey Balls are flavorful baked meatballs made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices. These savory, cheesy meatballs are baked until golden and tender, optionally glazed with a tangy ketchup-based sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty snack, they offer a delightful combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
Glaze (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter meatballs. You can make them larger if you prefer, but 1 inch is ideal for even cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow even heat circulation during baking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Apply Glaze (Optional): For a sweet and tangy finish, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. About 5 minutes before the meatballs are done, brush this glaze on top and return to the oven to set.
- Rest the Meatballs: Remove the Donkey Balls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs and keep them moist; you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- The green bell pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and freshness.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
