How to Make Albondigas in Chipotle Sauce Like a Mexican Chef

Albondigas al Chipotle, also known as meatballs in chipotle sauce, is a spicy, smoky dish that packs a punch of flavor. The rich chipotle sauce is made with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, or even chipotle powder, depending on what you prefer. Growing up, this dish always reminds me of family, my mami’s cooking, and the deep-rooted Mexican culture. Albondigas, or meatballs, are an excellent choice to add to your weekly dinner or dinner rotation, especially when served alongside rice, beans, or even cauli rice for a healthier touch. It’s a great way to make the perfect meal, combining flavor and comfort.

In Mexico City, small homestyle restaurants often serve their own version of this classic, sometimes with a twist, like adding a hard-boiled egg to the meatballs. It’s served with tortillas and can even be part of a comida corrida, a traditional three-course meal during lunchtime. The smoky tomato sauce makes this dish even more irresistible, and if you have any leftover sauce, it works great over pasta, roasted chicken, or even in a crusty-bread sandwich. This dish is Whole30 compatible when you skip certain ingredients, and you can always find these key ingredients at most grocery stores or Mexican markets.

How to Make Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce

To make Albondigas in Chipotle Sauce, start with high-quality ingredients for great results. The key is using Chipotle peppers, preferably from a Latin food store or online, like La Morena. You can also find them at places like Wal-Mart, but be sure to choose authentic products from Mexico for the best flavor. When cooking, soak bread in the sauce to enhance the taste and texture. This simple recipe is perfect for a hearty Mexican meal that brings bold flavors to your table.

Ingredients 

For the meatballs:

• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces ground pork
• 4 ounces finely chopped ham steak
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (1 slice of white bread, toasted and pulsed in a food processor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 large eggs, hard-boiled, each chopped into 12 equal pieces

For the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon lard or canola oil, plus more for frying
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• 3 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
• 3 canned chipotles en adobo (use less if you want less heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste
• 18 corn tortillas
• Cooked rice
• Cooked beans

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, egg, salt, pepper, bread, and milk to form the meatball mixture.
2. Use wet hands to form 1 ½-inch meatballs.
3. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. For the Chipotle sauce, blend Chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic until smooth. Add chicken broth or water if needed.
5. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then add cilantro and parsley for garnish.
6. Serve the meatballs with the Chipotle sauce, alongside rice and salad.

Notes

• Chipotle peppers add a mild spiciness to the Chipotle Sauce Meatballs.
• Tomatoes can be used fresh or canned. For better flavor, use ripe tomatoes or canned tomatoes instead of bland varieties.
• Chicken broth or water can be added to adjust the sauce’s texture.
• Start with 1/2 tsp chipotle powder and adjust to taste. Alternatively, dried chipotle pepper can be used.
• Extra sauce can be prepared ahead of time and used over dishes like eggs or pasta.
• This recipe is inspired by Eat Mexico, a book by Lesley Tellez, showcasing Mexico City’s food from streets, markets, and fondas.
• The recipe is published by Kyle Books.

Nutrition

• Calories: 266 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 223mg
• Potassium: 407mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 615 IU
• Vitamin C: 11.1mg
• Calcium: 38mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs for Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce:

1. What is Albóndigas in Chipotle Sauce?
   Albondigas in chipotle sauce is a traditional Mexican comfort dish made with tender meatballs simmered in a smoky, slightly spicy, and savory tomato-based sauce flavored with chipotle chiles.
2. What ingredients are used in the meatballs?
   The meatballs typically contain ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination), uncooked rice, chopped onions, cilantro or mint, spices like cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and eggs to bind the mixture. Some recipes also include a panade (milk-soaked bread) for a tender texture.
3. How do I make the chipotle sauce?
   The chipotle sauce is made by blending tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and chicken broth until smooth. The mixture is then fried in a pot until it deepens in color before adding the meatballs to simmer.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time or freeze leftovers?
   Yes, albondigas taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days or freeze the cooked meatballs in their sauce for 2-3 months.
5. How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
   Adjust the spice level by controlling the number of chipotle peppers. For a mild sauce, start with one or two peppers. For a spicier version, add more peppers or some of the adobo sauce they are packed in. Removing the seeds from the peppers can also help reduce the heat.

Final Thought:

Albondigas in Chipotle Sauce is a hearty and flavorful Mexican dish that brings together tender meatballs and a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce. It’s a great meal to enjoy with family, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re adjusting the spice level or making it ahead of time for a quick and delicious dinner, this dish offers endless possibilities to suit your preferences. Serve it with rice, corn tortillas, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal!