Recipes » Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce: Delicious Crockpot Recipe

Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce: Delicious Crockpot Recipe

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Discover a recipe for delicious Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce! This easy-to-make Crockpot meal can be prepared in advance for a stress-free weeknight dinner. Try this flavorful dish for your next family meal!

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPGRADED FROM 7/2/15 TO IMPROVE READER EXPERIENCE.

Long white plate heaped with meatballs covered in a red spicy chipotle sauce and garnished with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro

Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce recipe is perfect as a main dish or an easy crockpot meatball appetizer.

Making them in a slow cooker makes them perfect for hands-off serving and a great dish to make and take!

Why I Like this Mexican Meatballs Appetizer Recipe

Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce recipe is super easy and makes some delicious, super moist meatballs.

The simple chipotle sauce that’s slathered around the meatballs adds a nice subtle kick without overwhelming heat, which is perfect for my wimpy taste buds.

We made this Chipotle Meatballs crockpot recipe for a party that we attended as an appetizer.

We started this easy meatball recipe earlier in the day and transported them in the crockpot.

Setting them to warm for serving kept them warm all evening. We love how everyone can help themselves to crockpot appetizers.

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Mexican Meatball Ingredients and Substitutions

Meatball Recipe

  • Ground Meat – I used beef and pork. You can use any ground meat or combination of ground meat including chicken or turkey.
  • Bread crumbs – Plain bread crumbs
  • Milk – I used almond milk for a dairy-free meatball. You can substitute it with broth.
  • Eggs – Grade A, large
  • Seasonings – Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, & Salt

Homemade Chipotle Sauce

  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes – I used canned for convenience.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – These peppers come in a small can found in the Mexican food aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Garlic – I used fresh garlic
  • Seasonings – Oregano (or Mexican oregano), salt, & cumin
  • Broth – I used chicken broth

How to make Mexican Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, Milk, eggs, chili powder, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cumin.
  2. Roll into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on baking sheets lined with foil.
  3. Bake.
  4. Spray a crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Stir in tomatoes, chipotle peppers, broth, garlic, oregano, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cumin. Add the meatballs and cook on high for 3 hours.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Tips: This recipe only uses 3 of the peppers in adobo sauce. You can freeze the peppers that you don’t use.

Please note, that the printable recipe card has the full list of ingredients, quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.

How to store Chipotle Meatballs.

This recipe made a bazillion meatballs (50 to 60 1-inch meatballs) so we were able to bring some home.

Refrigerator storage – They will last 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Freezer storage – This meatball appetizer also freezes amazingly well. Meatballs in chipotle sauce should be stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Thaw and reheat – You can thaw the meatballs at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also reheat them without thawing them in the microwave, a saucepan over low heat, or add them back to the slow cooker.

White plate with 4 large Mexican Meatballs covered in Chipotle sauce sitting on a layer of green-tinted tomatillo rice over a green napkin.

How to Serve Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce

As a Mexican-inspired appetizer, you can either serve them from the crockpot with a pair of tongs.

I also like piling them on a serving dish with toppings such as cilantro, sour cream, salsa, jalapeno slices, and grated cheese in separate bowls. That way my guests can help themselves.

Chipotle meatballs make an easy lunch when you stuff them into a hoagie roll or tortilla for another easy meal.

What to serve with Mexican Meatballs? We served them for dinner over my favorite 4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice. You could also serve them with a delicious side of our Cherry Chipotle Salad.

Chipotle, what does that mean?

Chipotle is a smoked jalapeno pepper. The jalapeno pepper has thicker walls that prevent them from drying like other peppers.

Smoking was intended to preserve them. The result is a delicious smoky spicy flavor profile perfect for Mexican Meatballs recipes.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo sauce is a combination of smoked jalapenos and a red sauce made of chili powder, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and herbs.

You could definitely kick up the heat for people, like John, who like more of the inferno effect.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between meatballs and albondigas?

Albondigas is an authentic Mexican meatball usually served in soup. This is my version of a Mexican meatball because of the spices used. I don’t claim it to be authentic.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, for an easy Mexican appetizer, you can use frozen! There is no need to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot!

How do you keep meatballs moist?

The addition of eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and broth guarantees that these meatballs will be moist.

You May Need:

  • Scoops – When I make meatballs or cookies or anything that I want to be a similar size, I use scoops. They not only look better but they cook evenly too. I use a larger scoop when serving these meatballs for dinner or a smaller one when serving them as an appetizer
  • Instant Read Thermometer – I have this brand but my thermometer cost about 9 times what this one does. I’ve had mine for several years but would go a little less expensive especially with these great reviews.
  • Crock-Pot Slow Cooker – I like this brand and that it can be programmed. The lid can be locked for no-spill transportation.

The only changes that I’ve made to this recipe over the years are that I now bake this crockpot meatball appetizer is to brown them instead of using a skillet and hot oil on the stovetop. You can skip browning altogether if you choose to.

It’s less messy and I can bake them all at the same time instead of browning in batches.

They’re a little better for us by skipping the hot oil too.

If you make these Mexican Meatballs appetizer recipe stop back and let me know what you think!

White platter with mexican flavored meatballs in a red chipotle sauce garnished with cilantro

Crockpot Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce

Author: Hostess At Heart
This Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce recipe is easy and makes some delicious meatballs. The sauce adds a nice subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
4.78 from 22 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword: Mexican Meatballs
Servings: 60

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 lbs ground meat – I used a combination of beef and pork
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk – any variety or substitute with broth
  • 2 eggs – slightly beaten
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt – divided in half
  • 1 tsp ground cumin – divided in half
  • 28 oz fire-roasted tomatoes – diced or crushed
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth – low sodium/fat-free chicken broth
  • 3 garlic cloves – chopped finely
  • 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano – or regular dried oregano
  • 3 chipotles in adobo – chopped (more for additional heat)
  • Cilantro chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 °F.  Line two baking sheets with foil and spray them with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, Milk, eggs, chili powder, garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and cumin. Roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until meatballs registers 165 °F on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Spray a crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Stir in tomatoes, chipotle peppers, broth, garlic, oregano, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cumin. Add the meatballs and cook on high for 3 hours. Stir in chopped cilantro prior to serving.

Notes

Adapted from Family Circle May 2015.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 103mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 121IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Crockpot Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce

Recipes with a Mexican twist

I have a great love for this recipe. It was one of the few recipes that brought me traffic at the beginning of my blogging life.

My photos were horrible even though I was so proud of them a the time.

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4.78 from 22 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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73 Comments

  1. These meatballs are delicious. Super flavorful, not spicy hot which is the way we love Mexican food! GREAT idea for a party or family meal.

  2. Anything Mexican flavor and made in the crock pot, I’m in. These will be fabulous for a party!

  3. haha, I’m a chili addict and meatball. How can mixture 2 love into one delicious?
    OMG, your Mexican meatball in chipotle sauce become my favorite meal in this weekend.

  4. What can be better than Mexican meatballs in a chipotle sauce!!! I just cannot wait to make and eat these the whole day.

  5. These look amazing, Julie! I could eat Mexican food every day and never get tired of it. Love all the spices in this recipe. I can’t wait to try it!

    1. Thank you Shari! I just heard from another blogger buddy that has made it twice back to back because her son’s loved it. Boy, that’s why I love blogging!

      1. I know what you mean. When I get a comment that someone has tried and liked a recipe I feel like I just got a paycheck! 🙂

  6. HI Julie! It’s been a while since I’ve done anything on wordpress. I was glad to stop by your page. I’m loving the bright colors of the photographs and I really love what you’ve done with your webpage. The layout is great!

    1. How wonderful to see you again! Thank you so much for your compliments on my site. As you know, it’s always a work in progress.

  7. Hahaha…thank goodness no ghoul ever came outta the potato sack..or mouse for that matter!! I scream at the sight of little Jerry even today…as for the meatballls…with chipotle! Delicious… right into my bookmark. Thanks so much for linking up…and happy co-hosting!! 🙂

    1. Thank you Swayam! Our imaginations are not always our friends, especially for a little chicken like myself! I loved co-hosting and will be linking us weekly!

  8. Yum!!! These look delicious! 😀 I love making and eating meat balls but never tried mexican flavours! 🙂
    I get creeped out very easily and probably would HATE to have had a basement that was dark! 😀 I still get the creeps when it’s just dark in my own room in the middle of the night!

    Thank you for sharing this at #SaucySaturdays and happy FF to you!! 🙂

    1. Thank you Dini! I had the same ghoul in my bedroom in that house. I had to turn of the light and hop to the bed so that ghoul who was probably under my bed didn’t get my leg. I’m amazed I didn’t have a heart attack at the age of 10. 🙂

  9. These meatballs sound wonderful, I never thought of meatballs with Mexican flavors but it’s a great idea.

    I have those same feelings about basements and steep, dark steps. They creep me out as well (and still do).

  10. I love these as an appetizer! I love them as a main dish too but I’m always on the lookout for starters that don’t require bread. I also really love your creepy basement story and would’ve been the same as you bolting up those basement steps. Definitely had and active imagination! So happy to meet you and thanks for linking up to #SaucySaturdays.

    1. Thank you Christine! These meatballs were delicious! I did have an active imagination, and could work myself up pretty easily! I can’t wait to meet every one at SaucySaturdays! I plan on heading over today. Thank you for stopping by!

  11. Those meatballs look delicious and love the sound of the sauce. That description of your basement was so vivid – I hope my son doesn’t get scared of ours! Though I think it may be less scary. Hopefully. Thanks for co-hosting Fiesta Friday this week, enjoy!

    1. Thank you Caroline! We have a non-scary basement, and my kiddos played down there all the time ghoul free. You are welcome. Co-hosting has been a lot of fun.

  12. I remember running as fast as I could up my basement stairs growing up too- and our basement wasn’t even that dark and creepy! I think that the light was even on. 😉
    On to the meatballs…
    I basically am drawn to every recipe with chipotles. 🙂 Do you think I could make these with ground turkey (my preference) or would that just ruin them? They sound like a really crowd pleaser! Happy FF, co-host!

    1. Thank you Josette! Absolutely you could make these with turkey! My experience with turkey is that it just needs to be seasoned a little more than beef or pork, and these spices would be right at home with turkey. Glad your basement gobblins never got you either! 🙂

  13. Hi Julie, thank goodness I never had to go into a basement like that! I don’t think I would have ever managed to make it all the way down!
    I’m not sure if I missed it, but I can’t see when I’m supposed to add the chipotles, is it with the tomatoes and broth?

    1. Thank you for pointing out the missing chipotles! I added them when I added the tomatoes and broth to the crockpot. I say no to scary basements too!

  14. I just loved reading your description of your childhood home. It reminded me of how I used to experience our garden – there was a scary dark part that I would only venture into on brave days. (Now I realize that this bit of garden was probably no more than 10 by 10 meters….or even smaller)

    But I know that this would have been the prefect comforting dish to eat after an adventure like that….or to now enjoy after a crazy workday

    1. Thank you! I can see where a garden can be a creepy place! Who knows what is living underneath those plants? 🙂

  15. I love meatballs and these looks so delicious Julie! I have never tried Mexican style. I am printing this, thanks for sharing! BTW, I have always thought basements like that could be really creepy. Enjoyed your story along with the recipe. 🙂

    1. Thank you Arl! I appreciate your sharing my recipe! I would love to hear how every one likes it. We all did. I’m just a big chicken I guess, and would never move into a home with a creepy room!

  16. Great recipe Julie, love the ingredients and all those Mexican flavors oozing, yum!! The pictures are beautiful too, so festive looking. Ooooo scary story, I would probably be more afraid of mice lurking in the cellar though. I am not afraid of a lion, but a mouse???? Eeeeeeeek! Happy 4th Julie, enjoy!

    1. Thank you Loretta! I actually found a dead mouse in one of my winter boots by putting my foot into it. They had been stored in that creepy basement, and we often were catching those little critters in the house. I don’t miss that house, the mice or that creepy basement. I hope your 4th is wonderful!

  17. Julie,
    The description of your childhood basement made me shudder too. I am a big baby when it comes to scary rides and haunted houses. My children hold my hand:)
    Love the meatball recipe!

  18. Sounds like my Aunts basement growing up. Looks like its Mexican theme week with my wet burrito post. These meatballs would make a great party appetizer. We could have our own Cinco de Julio. Have a great weekend. :))
    BTW how do you like your Foodie Pro theme using Genesis? Was it easy to set up? I am in the process of switching over to self hosted wordpress and I thought I might as well implement a new theme at the same time. Thanks for your thoughts.

    1. Thank you Quinn! Please email me with your self-host questions. I love the Foodie Pro theme. There are things that I want to do but am not too html savvy so just taking little bites at a time. I subscribed to https://www.foodbloggerpro.com and they have been amazing. I also had Wordpress do the transfer for me. It was also worth it!

  19. You had my imagination going too Julie! Ick! But the suspense was worth the read through to this enticing recipe I must try!

    1. Thank you Johanne! I am such a big baby. I HATE being scared. No haunted houses for me! This recipe was delicious! If you try it, give me a shout out.

  20. The description of your basement made me laugh and reminded me of my own childhood. I love how moist your meatballs are. Great pictures!

    1. Thank you Ana! Those old houses had some creepy places in them! I’m glad that I have a happy non-creepy home now. Enjoy your weekend!

  21. These look soo good! I totally agree, perfect for a party appetizer, and a good spin on a meatball recipe! It’s so funny how even when you think of past memories, they can still creep you out! 🙂