Donkey Balls Recipe

Introduction

Donkey Balls are a fun and flavorful twist on classic meatballs, combining ground beef with spices, cheese, and a hint of smoky paprika. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or a tasty snack any time of the day.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs or larger if you prefer.
4. Step 4: Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
6. Step 6: If you want a sweet and tangy glaze, mix 2 tablespoons ketchup with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and brush it over the meatballs about 5 minutes before they finish baking.
7. Step 7: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without sacrificing flavor.
• Adding finely chopped green bell pepper adds a fresh crunch, but you can omit it if preferred.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Serve with toothpicks for easy party appetizers.

Storage

Store leftover Donkey Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave until heated through. They also freeze well—place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Donkey Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator before baking or fully cook and then refrigerate or freeze for later use.

What dipping sauce pairs best with Donkey Balls?

They pair wonderfully with ranch, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or even a simple garlic aioli—choose your favorite to enhance the flavor.

Donkey Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

A savory and flavorful recipe for Donkey Balls, tender meatballs made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, baked to perfection with an optional tangy ketchup glaze.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 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
• Salt to taste

Glaze (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Donkey Balls: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, optional green bell pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs or larger if preferred.
3. Bake the Donkey Balls: Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Optional Glaze: For a sweet and tangy finish, mix 2 tablespoons of ketchup with 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. About 5 minutes before the meatballs are done baking, brush the glaze over the top to allow it to set.
5. Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Adjust the size of meatballs to your preference for quicker or slower cooking times.
• Adding green bell pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor.
• Make sure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
• The glaze is optional and can be omitted for a simpler flavor.

Keywords: Donkey Balls, meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef recipe, appetizer, party snacks