A Texan Delight: Flavorful Meatballs
My Texas friend introduced me to these meatballs, and they have been a game-changer for me! My family is addicted to them, and they quickly became a staple in our home. Here’s the recipe for these delicious and savory meatballs:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup V8 juice (plus more for simmering)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups V8 juice (for the sauce)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cornmeal, 1/2 cup V8 juice, beaten egg, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients with your hands until well-blended.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs – you should get around 16 to 20 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Once browned, pour 2 cups of V8 juice over the meatballs, covering them about halfway.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 25-30 minutes until the meatballs become tender and the V8 juice thickens into a flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, before serving.
Variations & Tips:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey and add a little smoked paprika to maintain bold flavors.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
- These meatballs can be made in advance and reheated. They also freeze exceptionally well, sauce and all!
- Leftovers make a fantastic filling for stuffed peppers.
- If you don’t have V8 juice, tomato juice with a splash of Worcestershire sauce is a great substitute.
- For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or a meat substitute and add more veggies to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers and onions.
Cooking is about making the recipe your own. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Bon appétit!