Jalapeno Bacon Meatballs + Video
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Jalapeno Bacon Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for game day, or any day! They have the flavor of jalapeno poppers stuffed inside of the juiciest beef and bacon meatballs ever!!
Jalapeno Bacon Meatballs
Combine the spicy, cheesy flavors of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers with savory seasoned beef for perfectly poppable bites. Serve these up at a party, then sit back and wait for everyone to beg you for the recipe.
Do you love the flavors of jalapenos and bacon? Or even stuffed meatballs in general? If so, you’ll love these meatballs for SURE! You can find the same flavors in my recipes for spicy taquitos and the ultimate jalapeno popper dip!
Recipe Tips and Suggestions
- Adjust the spicy heat. You can decrease or increase the amount of jalapenos to tweak the spiciness to your liking.
- Don’t overmix! Doing so will create tough, dry meatballs. Mix the ingredients together gently, but more importantly, handle the meat mixture as little as possible.
- Use a scoop. You’ll have them portioned out in no time! Plus, they’ll cook more evenly since they are all the same size.
- Achieve the perfect shape. Lightly coat your hands with olive oil so each meatball is easier to form without sticking to your hands. Plus, they will be easier to roll into the perfect round shape.
- Feeding a crowd? This spicy meatball recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to adequately serve as many people as you need to feed!
RECIPE VIDEO
Watch the video in the recipe card at the bottom of this post to see how easy it is to make Bacon Meatballs!
Serving Suggestions
This spicy meatballs recipe would pair wonderfully with salsa, sweet and sour, or even barbecue sauce!
If you want to turn them into a meal, you can serve the bacon meatballs over rice, pasta, or even in buns – for a spicy twist on a classic meatball sub.
Jalapeno Bacon Meatball Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes definitely! The flavors in this dish will pair deliciously with turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep in mind that each meat has a different fat content and that may affect cooking time.
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, I think this is the perfect make-ahead recipe! Prep a couple of batches and keep them frozen for a super simple snack or dinner.
Allow them to come to room temperature , then place them on a sheet pan and pop it into the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat and eat, set your oven to 350°F and bake them for about 15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
What is New Mexico chili powder?
It is a seasoning that is made up of ground dried New Mexico chiles, typically red chiles. It’s heat level is moderate, but it has earthy and fruity undertones that add wonderful flavor to whatever dish you’re including it in!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Meatball Recipes
Jalapeno Bacon Meatballs + Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or turkey
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and diced
- 3 jalapeños, finely diced
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well, do not over mix or you will have tough meatballs. Using a 1 tablespoon scoop, portion out meat and place on baking sheet. After all meatballs have been scooped onto tray, roll into balls.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published January 2013. Updated and republished December 2021.
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Hey Y'all… love the meatball recipes! Just wondering – on the green chile meatballs, what does the bisquick offer to the recipe? Would there be a noticeable change if you used say breadcrumbs? I don't normally have bisquick but will get it if it adds some sort of flavor or texture that breadcrumbs would not. Can't wait to have a meatball party!!
The bisquick does make them light and fluffy. You can use a homemade substitution such as this recipe here http://penniesandpancakes.blogspot.com/2013/04/homemade-bisquick-mix-010-per-cup.html#.UnEwtj8qXIU
I made these in a non diet version because i'm all about budget and I already had regular bacon and ground beef. They were good, but saying they make 50 meatballs was a complete over estimate. I made a few undersized ones but most were made with a TEAspoon (instead of tablespoon) and I could only make 27.
Thanks for your feedback. I used a 1 tablespoon level scoop for measuring these out. Sorry if your came out different. I will update the quantity if necessary the next time I make them.
Thanks!
I am putting mine in the oven now. I made 54 meatballs.
I have made these twice and came up with 50 each time. Was also thinking of a dipping sauce. Any ideas?
Fantastic! I really never would have thought of putting all these flavors in meatball form.
Can I just leave out the panko breadcrumbs? I'm sure it will change the texture somewhat…
I just made a half a batch and I got 22! These are meant to be like appetizer size meatballs. Cant wait till they come out of the oven!! I have some Tomato Jam I want to heat up and serve with them. Post later when I have a chance to taste them..but Im betting their good!
What is new mexico chili powder? And if you do not have it what do you substitute please.
Did some research in this and the best substitute for New Mexico Chili Powder is Ancho Chili Powder which you can buy at most supermarkets. It is said to add an earthy sweet mild spiciness similar to New Mexico Chili Powder.
The closest substitute for New Mexico Chili Powder is Ancho Chili Powder
which is available in most supermarkets. It adds an earthy slightly sweet-fruity mild spiciness similar to New Mexico Chili Powder. My market carries
MCCormick's Ancho Chili Powder but there are many other brands at places like Whole Foods, Mexican groceries and online.
wow I just tried these, living in sweden so made my own cheese mix and instead of making them as appetizer I went big and made a spicy tomato sauce to go with them for my lunch boxes, bloody brilliant, I aslo added some ghost chilli ( I love the spicy heat ) might not suite everyone =)
Hey..Can't wait to try these! For the jalapeno popper balls I'm using ground turkey breast. Do I need to add oil or something else to the recipe so they are not dry? Also recommended dipping sauce? Thanks so much!
Just made these for Super Bowl and have these suggestions: 1) Make these Meatballs
a little bigger and do not cook too long or you will have petrified wood balls. 2) Do not cook your bacon too long or it will taste like little rocks in your Meatballs. 3) Wasn't crazy about the cream cheese in these, would leave that out next time and add more
Mexican Cheese. 4) I used your Sweet and Sour Sauce as a dipping sauce and it was
amazing with these Meatballs. Thank You!
Can u deep fry them
I just made a double batch of these. For the seasoning in the meat mixture I used, worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, chili chipolte, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano and garlic. Turned out awesome and very tender. Thanks. I made some grape jalapeno pepper jelly, may just have to try using it for a dip on these.
Jalapeno and Bacon are a perfect pair, with the ground beef it only gets better! I guarantee you will get constant compliments on these no matter who you make them for!
What kind of dipping sauce can I use?
How about a queso or chili sauce.
How about a pepper jelly or enchilada sauce for a dip?!