Why This Recipe Works So Well

The combination of flavorful, spiced meatballs and a fresh, zesty salad makes this dish both satisfying and well-balanced. The meatballs, infused with cumin and chili powder, bring a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, while the fresh cilantro and garlic add depth. The tomato avocado salad offers a refreshing contrast with its juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy lime and vinegar dressing, making each bite of the meal well-rounded and satisfying. The meal is also versatile, easy to customize, and can be served as a main course or as part of a larger spread for entertaining.

Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Stand Out

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (93% lean) serves as the base for the meatballs. It is flavorful and juicy while still being relatively low in fat, making it a great choice for this dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce adds moisture and a rich, tangy flavor to the meatballs. It’s also used as a glaze, enhancing the taste of the meatballs while keeping them juicy and tender.

• Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (optional) brings a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy kick to the meatballs. These spices create a depth of flavor that is essential to the dish’s Mexican-inspired profile.

• Breadcrumbs and Eggs: These ingredients bind the meatball mixture together, giving the meatballs structure while keeping them light and tender.

• Tomatoes and Avocados: The fresh tomatoes and ripe avocado provide a bright, juicy, and creamy contrast to the rich meatballs. The tomatoes add acidity, while the avocado offers a smooth texture that complements the flavors of the meatballs.

• Cilantro, Lime, and Apple Cider Vinegar: The cilantro and lime in the salad bring freshness and a zesty flavor, while the apple cider vinegar adds a hint of tanginess that balances the richness of the meatballs.

How to Make Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t take much time at all. Here’s how it comes together:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ¼ cup of enchilada sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, onion flakes, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Scoop the meatball mixture using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and form them into balls. Place the meatballs in the prepared baking dish and drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over them. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 2: Make the Salad

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato avocado salad. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Toss the salad gently to combine, making sure the avocado stays intact and the dressing is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Serve

Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them with a generous portion of the tomato avocado salad on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Rice: Serve the meatballs with a side of white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce from the meatballs.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes would complement the meatballs and salad, adding both color and flavor to the meal.

• Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas would be a great addition to scoop up the meatballs and salad, turning the dish into a more interactive meal.

• Mexican Street Corn: A side of Mexican street corn (elote) would add a creamy and savory contrast to the fresh salad and spiced meatballs.

Conclusion

Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that brings a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors. The juicy, spiced meatballs paired with a fresh and tangy salad create the perfect balance of comfort and brightness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to be a hit with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. It’s a perfect combination of savory meatballs, a refreshing salad, and a little bit of spice that everyone will enjoy.