Description
Donkey Balls are savory baked meatballs made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, offering a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. These meatballs are baked until juicy and golden, optionally glazed with a tangy ketchup and Worcestershire sauce mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 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 sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into roughly 1-inch diameter meatballs, or larger if preferred.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through. To ensure doneness, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef.
- Apply Glaze (Optional): If desired, mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to create a sweet and tangy glaze. About 5 minutes before baking is finished, brush this glaze evenly over the meatballs and continue baking.
- Rest the Meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the Donkey Balls warm along with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Chopping bell pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even heat circulation.
- The glaze is optional but adds a delicious sweet tang to the meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature if unsure.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
