Mexican Meatballs

I started making these meatballs years ago and brought them to every event imaginable. I never brought home leftovers and have been asked for the recipe so many times, I started bringing copies with me. Depending on the crowd you are going to feed, you can make these mild or spicy. Easy to make and they freeze well for pre-planning.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 40 meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground pork
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups  dried breadcrumbs, plain
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 -3  chipotle chile in adobo
• 4  teaspoons  vegetable oil
• 2  small onions, minced
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, using your hands, mix together the ground beef and pork, eggs, bread crumbs, 1 t. salt, pepper, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and water. Form into 1 inch meatballs and set aside on a piece of waxed paper.
2. Pour the diced tomatoes into the container of a blender along with the chipotle chilies. Blend until smooth, and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in the remaining garlic and cumin, and cook for a few minutes to release the aromas. Pour in the tomato mixture and chicken broth. Season with the remaining teaspoon salt, and mix well. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat while you brown the meatballs.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add meatballs, but do not crowd them. Fry them in 2 batches if necessary. Cook, stirring occasionally until browned on the outside. Remove from the skillet, and place into the pot of simmering sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes. Longer will not hurt them.
5. For special occasions, serve the meatballs and sauce in a chafing dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro.