Cheesy Taco Meatballs Recipe

If Taco Tuesday and Sunday Italian Dinner had a baby, this would be it! These cheesy taco meatballs are everything I love in one bite- flavor-packed, cheesy {dairy-free cheese for me- more on that later!}, and perfect for dipping.

They come together quickly, use pantry staples, and are a huge hit with the whole family! Whether you’re planning something fun for Cinco de Mayo, need to bring a fun appetizer to a get-together or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this is one of those easy meals that checks all the boxes!

We usually serve them with a side of corn tortillas, a scoop of guac, and a big dollop of sour cream- but honestly, they’d be right at home on an appetizer tray too. {Party food that actually fills you up? Yes please!}

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prep and bake
• Kid-approved but satisfying enough for adults
• Full of taco flavor thanks to seasoning, cheese, and taco sauce
• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
• Easy to adapt for low carb, dairy-free or keto versions

Can I use something other than ground beef?

Yes! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer something lighter. Just make sure to adjust your cook time slightly if the meatballs seem softer- you want them to be fully cooked but still juicy.

Want to make it meatless? Feel free to use your favorite ground beef substitute. For a fully vegan take, combine that with the dairy-free subs listed below.

Are taco meatballs spicy?

Not especially. Using a mild taco seasoning mix and taco sauce will keep the spice level family-friendly- you can even use a little less of the seasoning if your kids are extra picky. On the other hand, if you want more heat, add a pinch of chili powder or use a spicy taco sauce on top.

Can I make these low carb or keto?

Definitely. Swap the crushed tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to make keto meatballs. The rest of the ingredients are already low carb!

Can I make these taco meatballs dairy-free?

Yes! These are easy to adapt. Just swap in your favorite dairy-free versions of the cheeses:

• Use dairy-free cream cheese
• Replace the shredded taco blend with a dairy-free shredded cheese like Violife, Good Planet or Daiya
• Be sure to check the taco sauce for hidden dairy- most are fine, but it’s always good to double-check!

The result still has all the flavor and holds together beautifully. My whole family eats dairy-free and we love this version just as much! {See my favorite dairy-free swaps here!}

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make taco meatballs in the air fryer for an even easier dinner! Cook them at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Just make sure they aren’t touching too much so they crisp up nicely.

What do you serve with taco meatballs?

We love serving these with sour cream, guacamole, or extra taco sauce on the side. They’re great wrapped in a taco shell, rolled up in corn tortillas, or served over rice with beans. You could even put out a tray with toppings and let everyone build their own plate!

Can I stuff them with cheese?

Absolutely! If you want a cheesy surprise inside, you can press a small cube of cheese into the center of each meatball before baking.

Do I need to use a baking sheet or a dish?

Either works. A baking sheet is great if you want a little more browning, while a baking dish keeps them super moist. Use whichever you have on hand- or whatever’s clean!

Do I need to add eggs or bread crumbs?

Nope! This recipe skips large eggs and traditional bread crumbs. The cream cheese and crushed tortilla chips bind everything together just fine.

Can I freeze taco meatballs?

Yes! These freeze really well. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

What supplies do you need to make Taco Meatballs?

To make this delicious meatball recipe, you’ll need:
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• Large bowl {for mixing the meatball mixture}
• Small cookie scoop or tablespoon {to portion the meatballs}
• Baking dish or baking sheet {either works depending on your preference}
• Parchment paper or cooking spray {to prevent sticking}
• Pastry brush or spoon {for brushing taco sauce on top}
• Oven mitts {for safely removing the hot pan}
• Airtight container {for storing leftovers}

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a great recipe to make with things you probably already have from your last taco night!

• Ground beef– One pound of lean ground beef forms the base
• Cream cheese– Softened so it mixes in easily and adds moisture
• Shredded taco blend cheese– Adds melty, savory flavor. You can sub cheddar cheese if needed
• Crushed tortilla chips– These take the place of bread crumbs and add a little extra crunch and flavor
• Taco seasoning mix– Use a packet or your favorite homemade blend
• Taco sauce– Brushed on top before baking for added flavor and moisture

Step by Step Guide: How to Make Cheesy Taco Meatballs

Ready to cook? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!

STEP BY STEP PHOTOS

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with cream cheese, shredded cheese, crushed chips, and taco seasoning.
3. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into 24 meatballs.
4. Place meatballs in your dish or on the baking sheet and brush the tops with taco sauce.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden.

These cheesy taco meatballs are easy, flavorful, and just plain fun. They’re perfect for busy nights, weekend parties, or the next time you want to change up taco night. If it’s your first time making meatballs, this is a great place to start- and one you’ll come back to again and again.

Let me know if you try them!

Hungry for More?

Want more delicious recipes? Try these:

• Taco Pinwheels
• Chicken Egg Roll Bites
• Olive & Vinegar Bruschetta
• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
• Cream Cheese Taco Dip