Sweet and Spicy Mini Meatballs
Albondigitas con Ajo - Little Meatballs in Garlic - How To Make Mini Meatballs

This recipe and photos are courtesy of Cynthia Detterick-Pineda of Andrews, TX. Check out more of Cynthia's Southwest Recipes.

Ground beef has to be one of the most versatile meat products on the market. Sure, it’s great for casseroles, hamburgers, spaghetti sauces, you name it.  But if you are anything like me, you have opened your pantry, had the blank “what’s for dinner” stare, and been left completely numb as to what to turn that ground beef into. This recipe is a mix of two southern styles of cooking that can actually be very similar in many ways - Cajun and Southwestern.  It is easy enough to make for a entrée and can be used as a simple appetizer. 

Check out more great Beef Recipes using various cuts of beef.

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (hamburger)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs*
2 tablespoons red chile flakes
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup honey
14 cup soy sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
Cooked Rice (optional - see below)

* Learn how to Make Homemade Bread Crumbs.

To make uniform meatballs, pat out the entire meat mixture into a rectangular shape and score the mixture into equal squares of the size desired for the meatballs. Roll each of these “squares” into a ball and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until there is no pink in the center of the meatballs.

While the meatballs are baking, start the over medium heat, heat the butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until the garlic becomes translucent. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and tomato sauce; mixing well. Bring just to a low boil and then lower the heat to simmer. When the meatballs are cooked, remove from oven, and then from the baking sheet. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce mixture; gently stir to coat the meatballs well. Allow the meatballs to simmer over low heat for approximately 15 minutes. 
 

You are now ready to serve these delicious meatballs! You have a choice to serve over the rice or to use an appetizer:

• To serve over rice:  In a medium saucepan, bring two (2) cups of water, 1 cup of rice, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt just to a boil; then turn heat to low and cover. Let simmer approximately 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the rice. 
   
• Appetizer:  Serve the mini meatballs with serving picks as an appetizer.