Best 7 Spicy Tamale Balls Recipes

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**Spicy Tamale Balls: A Unique and Flavorful Treat**

Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Spicy Tamale Ball recipes, a delightful fusion of Mexican and American flavors. These bite-sized treats are crafted with a blend of savory ground beef, tender cornmeal, and an array of zesty spices, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Served with a selection of delectable dipping sauces, these tamale balls offer a versatile appetizer or main course that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you prefer classic salsa, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream, each dip complements the spicy tamale balls perfectly. Discover the perfect recipe for your next gathering or party, and embark on a culinary adventure with our irresistible Spicy Tamale Balls.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TEXAS TAMALE BALLS



Texas Tamale Balls image

This is one of my husband's favorite appetizers. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Enjoy!!

Provided by Mary Lou Ivy

Categories     Meat Appetizers

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 15

MEATBALLS
1 lb lean beef
1 lb pork sausage
3/4 - 1 c V-8 juice
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c crushed chips, Fritos or any flavor Doritos
SAUCE
2 bottle chili sauce (12 oz each)
1 Tbsp chili powder

Steps:

  • 1. Mix meats, V-8 juice, and eggs.
  • 2. Combine dry ingredients.
  • 3. Add the dry ingredients to the meat mixture. Be sure that all dry mix is evenly blended with meat.
  • 4. Pinch off a small amount and roll into marble or bite-size balls. NOTE: I used a small cookie scoop (either way works fine).
  • 5. Place on two large cookie sheets with sides.
  • 6. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes depending on the size of the balls.
  • 7. Pour both bottles of sauce into a slow cooker. Add the chili powder. Put the slow cooker on high.
  • 8. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the slow cooker on high. After about an hour, turn the slow cooker to warm and serve.

TAMALE BALLS



Tamale Balls image

I have made these many times for New Years Parties as well as Football Parties and I always get rave reviews.

Provided by RoxAnn St. Pierre

Categories     Meat Appetizers

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 1/2 c corn meal
1 1/2 oz package taco seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/2 c tomato juice
SAUCE
2 c mild or med. salsa sauce
2 c tomato juice
1 Tbsp chili powder
salt and garlic powder to taste

Steps:

  • 1. MIX TOGETHER THE FIRST 7 INGREDIENTS, MAKE BALLS IF NOT FIRM ADD CORN MEAL. DROP IN SAUCE AND SIMMER 45MIN. TO AN HOUR.
  • 2. I HAVE USED A CROCK POT TO COOK THESE TAMALE BALLS AND IT WORKS VERY WELL.

TAMALE BALLS



Tamale Balls image

This was in my local paper, from a PTA member. Easy to put together and very popular on a buffet. I have put the pan directly from the oven on the buffet table (after adding the sauce and cheese). They were gone before they got cold. I like them spicy so I add so cayenne to the ball mixture.

Provided by riffraff

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 50m

Yield 80-90 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups crumbled cornbread
1 (10 ounce) can mild enchilada sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
1 -2 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, combine cornbread crumbs, 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, minced garlic (if using) and salt.
  • Add ground chuck and mix well.
  • Shape into 1-inch balls and place in a shallow baking dish.
  • Add a little more of the enchilada sauce, a tablespoon at a time, if it's not holding together good.
  • Meatballs can be made in advance up to the point and refrigerated; allow to come to room temperature before baking.
  • Bake uncovered, 18 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile in a saucepan, stir together tomato sauce and remaining enchilada sauce and heat gently until heated through.
  • Transfer cooked meatballs to chafing dish or crockpot.
  • Pour sauce over and top with cheese.
  • Keep warm over low heat and serve with toothpicks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 24.1, Fat 1.7, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 6.5, Sodium 68.9, Carbohydrate 0.5, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.4, Protein 1.8

SPICY BEEF TAMALES



Spicy Beef Tamales image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings of 2 tamales per serving

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 ears fresh un-husked corn
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion sliced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon celery salt
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water, divided
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (use gloves when handling)
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Husk corn, discarding the silk. Place corn husks in a large pot and pour boiling water over them, and allow to soak for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry, leaving moist but not wet.
  • Cut the kernels from the corn to equal about 1 1/2 cups. Of this amount, puree 1 cup of the kernels in a food processor and leave the other kernels whole. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil and saute onion until translucent. Add ground beef, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, celery salt, and salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain off extra fat and divide into even amounts per the number of tamales you will be making.
  • Combine cornmeal, salt, and 1 cup water in a mixing bowl. Bring another 1 cup of water to a boil and stir in cornmeal mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, baking powder, pureed corn, whole corn kernels, and jalapeno.
  • The tamales are eaten directly from the corn husk casings in which they are steamed. To make tamale casings for steaming: Tear corn husks into strips. Some of these will be woven together and should be at least an inch wide. You will also need about 16 narrower strips (1/4 to 1/2 inch wide) to secure the ends of the tamales. Lay 4 strips or so side by side, and then weave another 4 or so through in a perpendicular fashion to make 8 rectangles about 8 inches square. Each tamale will be filled with even amounts of the corn mixture, beef mixture and cheese. Spoon some of the corn mixture (between 2 and 4 tablespoons) into the center of each tamale case and spread to make a layer. Then spoon an even amount of the ground beef mixture into the center of corn mixture on each tamale. Top beef mixture with even amounts of cheese on each tamale. At this point, begin 1 or 2 pans of boiling water, each fitted with a steaming rack (You will need enough steaming space over the pans to accommodate the tamales.) Fold the corn husks so the corn filling encases the meat filling and cheese. Secure the ends of the tamales casings by tying shut with pieces of corn husk. Place tamales on racks and steam - covered - for about 20 minutes to a half hour, replenishing water in pan(s) as needed. Let rest briefly before serving.

SPICY TAMALE BALLS



Spicy Tamale Balls image

These are favorites with kids and make great party appetizers. They are gone in minutes! The sage pork sausage really makes a difference in the taste but you can use regular or spicy plain pork sausage if desired.

Provided by Donna Graffagnino

Categories     Meat Appetizers

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb ground chuck or round
1 lb jimmy dean sage pork sausage
1 1/2 c yellow cornmeal
3/4 c v-8 juice, spicy
1/2 c all purpose flour
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 Tbsp chili powder, mexene
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp oregano (mexican is preferred)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne
1 1/2 tsp crushed chili flakes
SAUCE INGREDIENTS
5 c v8 juice
1 Tbsp chili powder (mexene)
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Steps:

  • 1. Mix all ingredients together (don't cook meat), and roll into small 1" balls. Put balls into a large baking pan or dutch oven.
  • 2. Preheat oven to 300 F. Mix all ingredients for the sauce and pour over the tamale balls. Cover and bake for 2 hours. DO NOT STIR.
  • 3. Tamale balls will expand and absorb the juice. After 2 hours check for doneness and if needed bake another 15-20 minutes until done. Enjoy!
  • 4. Tip: These can be made mild by using regular V-8, omitting the crushed chili flakes, and cutting back just a little on the chili powder. Don't omit the cayenne in the balls as it's not enough to make them hot but gives them a nice flavor. Alternate cook method: Put into slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours. Tamales can be made by rolling the above mixture into softened corn husks. Don't put mixture all the way to the top to allow for expansion. Put tamales in the sauce and cook on stovetop for two hours on low heat.

HOT TAMALE BALLS



Hot Tamale Balls image

This recipe was submitted by a mom from Brother Martin High School for the school cookbook. It is a great appetizer and I guarantee you won't have any left.

Provided by Sunshine Forever

Categories     Stove Top

Time 1h20m

Yield 48 tamale balls

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb ground beef (chuck)
1 lb hot pork Jimmy Dean sausage
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
6 ounces spicy hot V8
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
40 ounces spicy hot V8
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients for tamale balls in large bowl. Form into small balls and layer into large roaster pot.
  • Mix all ingredients for sauce and pour over tamale balls.
  • Cook over medium heat 50-60 min., covered.

TAMALE BALLS



Tamale Balls image

What a great appetizer! Imagine all the yummy deliciousness of a tamale in a bite-size package. These do have a bit of a kick, so adjust the heat to your liking.

Provided by Stacey Lawson

Categories     Meat Appetizers

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 1/2 lb ground pork
1 1/2 c corn meal
3/4 c apple juice
1/2 c flour
2 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp cajun seasoning
60 oz V8 Juice
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1 tsp sugar

Steps:

  • 1. In a large mixing bowl combine the first 11 ingredients to form tamale balls.
  • 2. Form into 1" balls and set aside.
  • 3. In a large pot combine the remaining ingredients for tamale ball sauce.
  • 4. Add formed balls to sauce and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tamale balls are fully cooked. Tamale balls will increase in size due to the cornmeal and become like a tamale.
  • 5. Alternate Cooking Directions: Follow steps one and two, and then combine sauce in a large slow cooker and add formed balls. Cook on high for five to six hours or until tamale balls are fully cooked.

Tips:

  • To make the tamale balls extra crispy, double-coat them in the breadcrumb mixture before frying. For added heat, use a spicier chili powder in the breading.
  • If you don't have any self-rising cornmeal, you can make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
  • To save time, you can use store-bought salsa instead of making your own. Just be sure to choose a salsa that is relatively thick and chunky.
  • Serve the tamale balls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
  • If you want to make the tamale balls ahead of time, you can freeze them before frying. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Conclusion:

Spicy tamale balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can be made ahead of time. With a crispy outer shell and a flavorful filling, these tamale balls are sure to be a hit with your guests. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting appetizer, give these spicy tamale balls a try!

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