Albondigas en Chile Colorado (Meatballs in Red Chilli Sauce)
Tender beef and pork meatballs with rice and mint, simmered in red chilli sauce with potato and carrot.
Made with Chile colorado sauce and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.13 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the beef, pork, rice, egg, mint and salt in a bowl with your hands until just combined. Shape into 20 balls about the size of a walnut.
- 2
Pour your ready made chile colorado sauce (see the base recipe) and the water into a wide pan. Add the carrots and potatoes and bring to a simmer.
5 min - 3
Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Gently lower in the meatballs, spacing them out.
- 4
Cover again and simmer for 25 minutes, turning once, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Cut one open to check that no pink remains.
25 min - 5
Warm your corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 20 seconds a side. Serve the meatballs and sauce in bowls with the tortillas.
Tips
- Do not overwork the mince or the meatballs turn tough.
- Drop the meatballs into barely bubbling sauce. Rolling boil can break them up.
- Wet your hands when shaping to stop the mixture sticking.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Why add rice to the meatballs?
Cooked rice keeps them tender and light. It is the traditional Mexican method and replaces breadcrumbs, so the dish stays gluten free.
Can I use only beef?
Yes. Use 600 g beef mince, though the pork adds extra moisture and flavour.
Can I bake the meatballs first?
Yes. Bake at 200C for 12 minutes, then finish in the sauce for 10 minutes. This gives a browner outside.
More made with chile colorado sauce
Nopales en Chile Colorado (Cactus Paddles in Red Chilli Sauce)
DFEFNFSopes con Pollo en Chile Colorado (Thick Masa Cakes with Red Chicken)
GFEFNFSopa Seca de Fideo con Chile Colorado (Dry Fideo Noodles)
DFEFNFGarbanzos en Chile Colorado (Red Chilli Chickpea Stew)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.