This lovely bowl of spicy deliciousness is loaded with meatballs, black beans and colorful veggies like corn, carrots, and zucchini. It's a one pot complete meal that saves work and time. It will be on the top of your list of recipes from now on.
Meatballs:
non-stick cooking spray
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
¼ c. dry breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 t. cumin
¼ t. garlic powder or 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
½ t. chili powder
2 t. lime juice
1 t. kosher salt
½ t. freshly ground black pepper
2 T. finely chopped cilantro
2 T. water
6 c. beef stock/broth
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles, undrained (or regular diced tomatoes for less heat)
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 t. olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into ¼ inch pieces
1 zucchini, chopped into ½ inch pieces
15 oz. can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. frozen corn
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 t. chili powder
1 t. cumin
Garnishes:
chopped cilantro, tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded cheese, freshly diced tomatoes, lime wedges, avocado slices
Meatballs:
Preheat broiler. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, then coat with cooking spray.
Combine all meatball ingredients; stir until thoroughly mixed. Form 1 inch meatballs; place on the pan.
Broil 8-10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Wash veggies and chop. Peel onion and dice.
Soup:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add onion; cook 5 minutes or until translucent. Add carrots; cook 5 minutes; season vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Add beef stock/broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium; simmer 5 minutes.
Add meatballs, black beans, corn and zucchini. Simmer 5 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately. Garnish with toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, tortilla strips, shredded cheese and avocado slices.
* Frozen meatballs will work if you are pressed for time.
** This dish is moderately spicy because of the canned tomatoes with the chiles, so you might want to use regular canned tomatoes for people who like less spice and heat.