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Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs Recipe

Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

These Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs combine spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese with seasoned ground beef, all grilled to perfection. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, these meatballs offer a juicy, cheesy bite with a smoky char from the grill.

Ingredients

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Meatball Mixture

  • 2 lbs. Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 8 oz. block of cheddar cheese, finely diced
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Soften Chips: Place the crushed tortilla chips in a large bowl, then add the milk and allow to soften the chips for about 10 minutes, letting the chips absorb the milk fully.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: Once the chips are softened, add the ground beef, finely diced jalapeños, diced cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Form Meatballs: Scoop approximately ⅓ to ½ cup of the meat mixture and roll into meatballs. Repeat until all the mixture is used up, then place the meatballs on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Prepare Grill: Light a grill set up for two-zone cooking. For charcoal, pile the coals on one side creating a hot and cool zone. For propane, light only one end burner, leaving the other side cool. Place a piece of foil under the cool side to catch any melted cheese drippings. Heat to medium, about 350–375°F.
  5. Grill Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the cool side of the grill, away from direct heat, and close the lid. Grill for 25–35 minutes, turning occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the grill and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh side salad.

Notes

  • Make sure to seed the jalapeños to reduce spiciness if desired.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Chilling meatballs before grilling helps them hold their shape and cook evenly.
  • Foil on the grill helps prevent a messy cleanup from melted cheese drippings.
  • These meatballs can also be baked in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes if a grill is unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño meatballs, grilled meatballs, cheddar cheese meatballs, spicy meatballs, summer grilling recipes

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/grilled-jalapeno-cheddar-meatballs-recipe/