Skillet Enchilada Meatballs

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Skillet Enchilada Meatballs are the perfect solution when you’re craving hassle-free Mexican inspired food! Turkey meatballs seasoned with Mexican spices, browned in a skillet and topped with enchilada sauce and lots of cheese!

Skillet Enchilada Meatballs in a stainless steel skillet.

This recipe and photos have been updated since their original publish date of 4/8/2016.

Rifts on enchilada recipes are plentiful here on Recipe Runner. Growing up in Arizona and currently living in Colorado, Southwest and Mexican cuisine are something I’ve been around my whole life. For some people Italian food is comfort food, for me it’s all the flavors of the Southwest.

I have more traditional recipes, like this Mexican Meatball Soup, which is perfect to make when the weather turns cool again. And then I have a slew of easy weeknight meals that are convenient and delicious for those nights you’re craving Mexican/Southwest inspired food.

A few of my favorites are Southwest Turkey Vegetable and Rice Skillet, Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet, and Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Today’s recipe is a twist on enchiladas. It has the flavor of them thanks to all the spices and the enchilada sauce, but instead of stuffing corn tortillas with a filling we’re making meatballs. These Skillet Enchilada Meatballs are easy to make, great for leftovers and you can serve them numerous ways depending on what you and your family like.

ingredients used to make skillet enchilada meatballs on a sheet pan.

Ingredients For Skillet Enchilada Meatballs

ground turkey
panko
chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
green onions
cilantro
hot sauce (optional)
red enchilada sauce
Monterey Jack and/or cheddar cheese

closeup photo of Skillet Enchilada Meatballs covered in melted cheese.

How To Make Skillet Enchilada Meatballs

The only real work when it comes to making these enchiladas is making the meatballs. That’s not to say it’s difficult, it just takes a little more time than some of my recipes.

To make the turkey meatballs, start by whisking together the panko, egg, spices, hot sauce, onion and cilantro. I like to combine all the additional ingredients to the meatballs before adding the meat so that I don’t over mix the meat. If you mash and mix the meat together too much you can end up with tough meatballs.

After the mix-ins are combined, add in the ground turkey. Use your hands to combine everything just until it’s evenly distributed in the meat. Use a tablespoon or tablespoon size cookie scoop to form the meatballs. To keep the meat mixture from sticking to your hands when you roll them into balls, I recommend wetting your hands so they’re damp, but not dripping wet.

Enchilada Meatballs topped with melted cheese in a stainless steel pan with a wooden serving spoon in the pan.

Place the meatballs onto a plate as you’re rolling them. Once they’ve all been formed, add about a tablespoon or so of olive oil to a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and then swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the meatballs to the pan making sure they aren’t touching each other. Let them brown for several minutes or until they release from the pan without falling apart, then flip them over and brown the other side.

You won’t fully cook the turkey meatballs at this point, just brown the outsides. Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet and sprinkle the cheese on top. Put the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. Once they’re out of the oven top with extra green onions and cilantro if you’d like.

wooden spoon lifting up one of the enchilada meatballs out of the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ground beef work for the meatballs?

Yes. Ground beef, chicken or turkey all work great for these meatballs.

Serving suggestions for enchilada meatballs

I like to serve the meatballs over cilantro lime rice. You could also serve them over cauliflower rice, with a side of black or pinto beans, or wrap them up in a tortilla.

Is red enchilada sauce spicy?

Red enchilada sauce can be mild or spicy. Generally it will say on the can or package if you are buying it at the store. If you’re making homemade enchilada sauce you can always adjust the heat to suite your taste.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?

Yes. I’ve done this many times and it’s delicious.

Skillet Enchilada Meatballs on top of rice in a bowl with a fork and a lime wedge.

More Enchilada Inspired Recipes

Yield: 4-5 servings