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Donkey Balls Recipe

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Donkey Balls are savory, bite-sized meatballs made with ground beef, cheese, and spices. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect appetizer or snack, and are customizable to suit any flavor preference.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 16-20 Donkey Balls
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  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. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs (or larger if preferred).
  4. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef).
  6. If desired, mix 2 tablespoons of ketchup and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to create a glaze. Brush over the meatballs 5 minutes before they’re done baking.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or hot sauce.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.
  • If you’d like to serve them as sliders, place the meatballs on small buns with lettuce and tomato.
  • Store leftover Donkey Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For freezing, freeze uncooked Donkey Balls for up to 3 months and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

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