Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to add some fun and flavor to your next gathering or family dinner? Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser: Donkey Balls! These tasty little bites are perfect for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or even as a savory treat for your next party. So, grab your apron and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinner ideas!
- Packed with flavor from smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese.
- Versatile – enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a snack for game day.
- Customizable – use ground beef or ground turkey, and add your favorite spices!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Donkey Balls:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for glaze)
- Salt to taste
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get started! Here’s how you can make these tasty Donkey Balls:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs (or larger if preferred).
- Bake: Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef).
- Glaze (Optional): If you’d like a sweet and tangy glaze on top of the Donkey Balls, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Brush this glaze over the meatballs about 5 minutes before they’re done baking.
- Rest and Serve: Once the Donkey Balls are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your Donkey Balls turn out perfectly every time:
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their shape and juices.
How to Serve
These Donkey Balls are incredibly versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways:
- As a main dish with your favorite easy pasta recipes or a fresh green salad.
- As an appetizer or snack for game day, paired with dips like ranch or BBQ sauce.
- As part of a homemade cheesy breadsticks and soft pretzel bites spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Donkey Balls are perfect for meal prep or making ahead for a party:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Freezing: Bake the meatballs as instructed, then let them cool completely before freezing. Frozen meatballs can be reheated in the oven or microwave when needed.
- Storage: Leftover Donkey Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
And there you have it – a simple, flavorful recipe for Donkey Balls that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy party appetizers, or just a tasty snack, these little bites are sure to hit the spot. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see how they turn out!
Donkey Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper optional
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup optional, for glaze
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
- Brush with a ketchup-Worcestershire glaze (optional) 5 minutes before done.
- Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.