Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines spiced ground beef meatballs with a fresh, zesty salad. The meatballs are infused with Mexican-inspired flavors from enchilada sauce, cumin, garlic, and cilantro, while the accompanying tomato and avocado salad adds a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef

  • 10-12 oz enchilada sauce (medium heat)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp dried minced onion flakes

  • 2 tsp cumin

  • 1-3 tsp chili powder (to taste)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

• For the salad:

  • 3 Roma tomatoes (or 2 medium tomatoes), diced

  • 1 large ripe Hass avocado, diced

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients, including ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the meatballs and place them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the meatballs.

2. Bake the Meatballs:
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

3. Prepare the Salad:
   While the meatballs are baking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Toss gently to combine.

4. Serve:
   Once the meatballs are done, serve them with the tomato avocado salad on the side.

Nutrients

For one serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 466 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 100mg

• Sodium: 783mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

Why Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad Are So Popular

This dish is incredibly popular because it combines bold, spicy flavors with fresh, light ingredients, creating a satisfying yet balanced meal. The meatballs are packed with flavor, thanks to the blend of cumin, chili powder, and enchilada sauce, while the tomato avocado salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory meatballs. The salad provides a burst of freshness and crunch, making it the perfect complement to the hearty meatballs.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. The level of heat in the meatballs can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder, and the salad can be customized with different herbs or additional ingredients like red onion or jalapeño. It’s a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that works for various dietary preferences, making it suitable for any occasion.

How to Make Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad

Making Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad is simple and quick, taking only about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. Here’s how to make this flavorful dish:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ¼ cup of enchilada sauce, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, dried onion flakes, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into meatballs. Place them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Once the meatballs are arranged, drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top to coat the meatballs in sauce and add moisture.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on top. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C). When done, remove the dish from the oven and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. If you like a touch of sweetness, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well combined, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Step 4: Serve

Once the meatballs are ready, serve them alongside the tomato avocado salad. The creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the spiced meatballs. For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle the salad with more lime juice or a little extra olive oil just before serving.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner party, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this meal is sure to impress. The meatballs are rich in flavor and easy to make, and the salad adds a vibrant, fresh element that balances out the richness of the meatballs.

This dish also works well for meal prep. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days, while the salad can be quickly prepared right before serving. You can also adjust the level of heat and spice to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish that can be customized for a wide variety of palates.

Conclusion

Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the bold, spicy flavors of seasoned beef meatballs with a refreshing, vibrant salad. The meatballs are packed with flavor from the enchilada sauce, cumin, and chili powder, while the salad adds a light and creamy contrast with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. This dish is quick to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Whether served as a complete meal or paired with other side dishes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s simple to prepare, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.