Creamy, juicy, and bursting with bold enchilada flavor, this Cheesy Enchilada Meatball Bake is the kind of comfort food that disappears fast at the dinner table.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Baking Sheet
Small Baking Dish
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
1lbGround BeefRoom temperature for even mixing.
1largeEggLightly beaten.
1/4cupGrated Cheddar CheeseFreshly grated if available.
2TbspTaco SeasoningStore-bought or homemade.
1/2tspOnion PowderFor extra savory depth.
1/2tspSaltAdjust to taste.
1/4tspBlack PepperFreshly ground if possible.
Sauce Ingredients
1/4cupEnchilada SauceDivided for dish base and topping.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands or a spoon until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
Shape the mixture into 15 even meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches each). Place them on the foil-lined baking sheet with some space between each so they brown evenly.
Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C). If you prefer a browned exterior, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/4 cup enchilada sauce into a small baking dish, spreading it to coat the bottom.
Add the cooked meatballs into the dish on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the meatballs, coating evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly. Serve warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.