Tex-Mex Meatballs

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1 large egg
1 tsp. ground cumin
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 (15-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp. chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 1 cup of cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, egg, and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined, then form into meatballs.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add meatballs in a single layer and sear 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add onion to skillet and cook, stirring, until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chipotle in adobo and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and return meatballs to skillet. Cover and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
4. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese, then cover with lid to let melt, about 2 minutes.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes: I'm not sure I should admit this, but after over 40 years of life I think this may have been the first time I ever tried to make meatballs. I struggled a little getting them to stay together and keep their round shape as I browned them. I enjoyed the flavor of the meatballs. The kids were less enthusiastic but did eat them.

Source: Delish