How to Make Donkey Balls Recipe—Best Meatball Dish Ever!

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s perfect for quick family dinners—say hello to the Donkey Balls Recipe! These bite-sized meatballs are not only delicious but also easy to make, fitting perfectly into your weeknight dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s a great addition to your collection of easy pasta recipes, as it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for quick family dinners
• Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
• Can be served as a main dish or appetizer
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Great for meal prep

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 dive into the step-by-step process:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the 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.
3. Form the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs (or larger if preferred).
4. Bake the Meatballs: 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).
5. Add a 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.
6. Let 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 before rolling them by hand.
• 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 juices.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the mixture for a unique twist.

How to Serve

These Donkey Balls are incredibly versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve over pasta with your favorite marinara or Alfredo sauce for a quick and easy pasta recipe.
• As an Appetizer: Offer them at your next party with a side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.
• In a Sub Sandwich: Pile the meatballs into sub rolls and top with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
• As a Snack: These bite-sized treats are perfect for munching on while watching your favorite game or movie.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it works for meal prep:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Refrigerate: Cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Bake the meatballs and let them cool completely before freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

There you have it—my go-to Donkey Balls Recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, and even as a tasty appetizer for your next gathering. Give it a try and let me know what you think! If you’re looking for more quick and delicious meal ideas, check out my One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Casserole or my Ritz Chicken Casserole—both are perfect for 30-minute meals. Happy cooking!