Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs

January 9, 2014

Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs

If you would ask me how to describe these meatballs, I would definitely say that this is 100% dude food.
Dude food as in food that basically tastes as good as you want it, no matter what fat, cholesterol or caloric content.
food more macho [are we still allowed to use the word macho in 2014 btw?] than what your grandmother would have made — unless your grandma was a biker babe, then I’ll take it all back.
So yes, dude food, except that ’round here we never say “no matter what” when referred to the food we eat and - moreover - we do give a damn about carbs, calories, fats, etc.
Which means that this is dude food with a healthy twist.
In other words, food which is both “masculine” as well as health-ish. Comprende?

Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs

But let’s start from the beginning.
My cousin Dan brought me for Christmas some dope chili powder he bought at the Turkish market in Berlin (Germany).
He moved there last summer, and he’s currently having the time of his life...lucky B.
Since I’ve never been to Berlin, I’m planning to visit him soon.
Apparently it’s the most-talked city in Europe right now. A überhip, buzzing city with a cutting-edge culture, architecture, entertainment and nightlife.
And my couz Dan is all of these things.
An independent-thinker that appreciates counter-culture, sophisticated music and witty banter.
No wonder he fits perfectly in Berlin.

Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs


Anyway, when I say that the chili powder he brought me is dope, I really mean it.
It’s hot and delicious and since I got, I want to sprinkle it on everything, including desserts.
Yesterday - for instance - I used it to made these chili con carne meatballs.
As mentioned before, dude food at its finest; perfect for Game Day [Go Broncos btw!]
Full of flavor, spicy, juicy and sooo good.



There’s very little effort involved. One pan, a blender and that’s about it.
They’re ready from start to finish in 25 minutes tops.
If you have friends coming over to watch the football game on TV, don’t have much time on your hands, and don’t want to break your finances with expensive delivery, here you go.
Can you make Mac & Cheese out of a box? Then you can make these meatballs. Promise.

Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs
Easy Chili Con Carne Meatballs                                                                            Print this recipe!

Ingredients
Makes 16 meatballs (enough for 4 people)

1 lb / 453 rg grass-fed organic ground beef (I used 80/20)
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
¼ ground black pepper
3 roasted red peppers, drained (I used Delallo)
2 scallions
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 15 oz / 425 gr can good tasting tomato sauce (I used Muir Glen)
1 small bunch of cilantro
Chopped cilantro and scallion for garnish

Directions

In a bowl combine ground beef, chili powder, salt and pepper.
Scoop one tablespoon spoon of meat mixture and with dampened hands quickly shape into meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs 8 at a time and cook for 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
Remove and drain on a paper towel after each batch. Set meatballs aside.
In the meantime, in a food processor combine peppers, scallions, paprika, tomato sauce, cilantro and blend until smooth and creamy.
Once finished browning meatballs, pour red pepper mixture into the same frying pan and cook on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes (you might want to cover the pan with a lid as the sauce tends to splatter!)
Add meatballs to pan, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for further 8 to 10 minutes, stirring very gently a couple of times during the simmer.
Transfer to a platter and top with some chopped scallions and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition facts

One serving (4 meatballs with sauce) yields 360 calories, 24 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs and 32 grams of protein.

30 comments:

  1. My husband and I are usually at odds because he doesn't care how healthy something is, but I do. These meatballs are a perfect compromise! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. With the these meatballs you can meet each other halfway, classic win-win situation!

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  2. Great, now I'm craving meatballs and I want to travel to Europe...

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  3. Yum I love a good meatball and my dude would love these! Thanks for sharing : )

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    1. I'm sure both of you guys are going to love these meatballs!

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  4. My BF is going to love these!

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  5. Seriously, STOP teasing my eye balls and taste buds. I just ate... And they were ball shaped, but they definitely did not taste as good as THOSE LOOK!!

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  6. I need to get my hands on some of that "dope" chilli powder! I am a huge fan of spicy - and speaking of which, love the spicy kick these meatballs have! Gorgeous clicks Mike!

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    1. One day we should totally have a uber-spicy dinner together and determine who can handle the heat better between to two of us...

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  7. Meatballs are definitely dude food! And these look absolutely super scrumptiously yummy. I totally dig them!

    Yes please! (and uhm... can I have 6 or 8 please, with a little bit of extra dope chili powder?)

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    1. Of course you can Sonia, next time I'll a batch I'll send some your way! ;-)

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  8. Love the stories that accompany your posts These look delicious. I bet they'd go amazingingly on a meatball hoagie just saying!

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  9. Berlin is my city and it's indeed the best. I'm so happy your cousin is loving and he's spreading the word. You should come soon Mike!

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  10. Berlin really is an amazing city - with amazing food - get a Döner when you're there, there is a place in Friedrichshain that's called Vöner and they have a vegan döner option with house made seitan - but I would stick to the real deal the first time around ;-)

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    1. I'm so digging the idea of a vegan kebab, sounds too good to be true. I'll tell Dan to check that place out asap!

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  11. Dude Food!
    Love the addition of smoked paprika.

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  12. Wow I am so pumped I found this blog - all your food looks amazing, but these in particular make me wanna get in the kitchen! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  13. Great food.
    I like this food.This is so nice.I will try to make this recipe.Thanks.

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  14. these were amazing! i added cayenne to meatballss and sauce for extra kick, delicious!

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    1. That's awesome, I haven't made these bad boys in such a long time. Thank you for reminding me of it! :)

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  15. Just discovered your website.. I'll never do a triathlon, but I love to eat healthy.. sauce simmering in dutch oven awaiting meatball "reentry".. I'll report back with final verdict (serving over zucchini noodles) but can't wait to get into the other recipes here.. your website is a gift.. I'm a professional photographer as well and I have to say your food photos are really excellent.

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