Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fajita seasoning mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon minced and seeded chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Method

  • Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, fajita seasoning, cumin, salt, cilantro, and egg until well-combined. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  • Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally.
  • Saute onion and carrot in hot oil in a Dutch oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender.
  • Add zucchini, garlic, cumin, coriander, tomato paste, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly (Do not let garlic brown).
  • Stir in meatballs, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salt.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, covered, 35 minutes.
  • Stir in cilantro.
  • Garnish as desired with lime wedges, sour cream, diced avocado, or cilantro sprigs and enjoy!