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Chili Meatball Bites with Cheesy Dipper

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

2 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), plus extra for drizzling
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 to 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (just use the bits in the bottom of the bag)
1 (14.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beef stock
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F.

    Step 2

    Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with the 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan, and cook until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spices to the pan and cook for another minute.

    Step 3

    Season the veggies with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl to cool. Spread the crushed chips out on a plate or in a pie dish and reserve.

    Step 4

    When the veggies are cool, add the beans and meat to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, and combine. Shape the mixture into two-bite-size balls and roll each of them in the crushed chips. Arrange the meatball bites on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle lightly with EVOO, and bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes.

    Step 5

    While the meatballs are baking, place a pot over medium heat with the butter. When the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour over top and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk the stock and milk into the butter-flour mixture and bring up to a bubble. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the cheese until melted.

    Step 6

    Serve the chili meatball bites with the cheesy dipper alongside.

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