This unique dish, Pork and Beef Ham Balls, is a delightful blend of two meats - pork and beef - brought together with a tangy barbecue and tomato soup sauce. A perfect appetizer for any gathering or a main dish that your family will love. Not only is it hearty and delicious, but it is also simple and quick to prepare.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are generally available in most homes, you might want to pay extra attention to purchasing barbeque sauce and tomato soup. There is a variety of barbeque sauce available in the market, pick one that suits your taste preference. Also, canned tomato soup is often found in the soup aisle and can add a unique flavor to the dish.
Ingredients for Pork and Beef Ham Balls
Beef: A versatile meat that adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
Pork: Adds a distinct taste and texture that compliments the beef.
Egg: Binds the meat together to form firm and juicy meatballs.
Barbeque sauce: Gives the ham balls a tangy and smoky flavor.
Tomato soup: Enhances the sauce with a tangy and sweet flavor.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness of the sauce with its acidic properties.
One reader, Ker Peters says:
This pork and beef ham balls recipe is a game-changer! The combination of pork and beef creates a rich and savory flavor, and the barbeque sauce adds a delightful tanginess. The meatballs turn out juicy and tender, and the sauce is the perfect finishing touch. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Pork and Beef Ham Balls
How to prepare the meatballs: Mix ground beef, ground pork, and egg in a large bowl, then shape the mixture into small balls.
How to make the sauce: Stir together the barbeque sauce, tomato soup, milk, and vinegar in a separate bowl.
How to bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the juices run clear. Then, drain the fat from the baking dish and pour the sauce over the meatballs. Continue baking for about 15 minutes more or until the sauce is hot.
How To Make Pork and Beef Ham Balls
This ham balls recipe makes use of both ground pork and ground beef. It’s slathered in a barbecue, tomato, and milk sauce for a rich, creamy dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbBeef,ground
- 1lbPork,ground
- 1egg,beaten
- 18ozbarbeque sauce,(1 bottle)
- 10¾oztomato soup,can
- ½cupmilk
- 1tspvinegar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
-
Mix ground beef, ground pork, and egg in a large bowl; shape into small balls. Arrange meatballs in the prepared baking dish.
-
Stir barbeque sauce, tomato soup, milk, and vinegar together in a separate bowl.
-
Bake meatballs in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the juices run clear. Drain fat from baking dish and pour sauce over the meatballs. Continue baking for about 15 minutes more or until the sauce is hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 432.29kcal
- Fat: 15.17g
- Saturated Fat: 5.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.56g
- Carbohydrates: 39.13g
- Fiber: 1.07g
- Sugar: 31.34g
- Protein: 33.92g
- Cholesterol: 123.95mg
- Sodium: 1086.41mg
- Calcium: 82.61mg
- Potassium: 842.06mg
- Iron: 3.13mg
- Vitamin A: 38.28µg
- Vitamin C: 4.16mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Ham Balls
When shaping the meatballs, try to keep them all roughly the same size. This will ensure that they all cook evenly and at the same rate. If some are larger than others, they may require additional cooking time, which could result in the smaller ones becoming overcooked and dry. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon can help achieve uniform size.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking. Use a scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture for even-sized meatballs, saving time on shaping them by hand. Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal another day. Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop the meat, saving time and effort. Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Pork and Beef Ham Balls Recipe
- beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to beef, and it can be used in a similar way in this recipe.
- pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can provide a lighter and healthier option compared to pork, while still adding a savory flavor to the ham balls.
Presenting Pork and Beef Ham Balls
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pork and beef ham balls, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to showcase the dish's flavors and textures.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate with garnishes such as fresh parsley or microgreens. This will add visual interest and freshness to the dish, making it more inviting to the eye.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the pork and beef ham balls to stand out. This will create a sense of balance and sophistication in the presentation.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the pork and beef ham balls and accompanying sauce in a symmetrical and deliberate manner. This attention to detail demonstrates precision and care in the plating process.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots, to provide contrast to the tender pork and beef ham balls. This will elevate the overall dining experience.
Highlight the sauce: Use a drizzle or swoosh technique to artfully apply the barbeque sauce and tomato soup on the plate, enhancing the visual appeal while ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced in flavor.
Emphasize the dish's aroma: Consider serving the pork and beef ham balls on warm plates to enhance the aroma, creating an immersive sensory experience for the diners.
Personalize with a signature touch: Add a unique element, such as a custom-made herb-infused oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika, to infuse the dish with your personal culinary flair. This will set your presentation apart and leave a lasting impression.
Essential Tools for Making Ham Balls
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing large quantities of meat or vegetables for recipes like ham balls.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ground beef, ground pork, and egg to form the meatball mixture. It's important to use a large mixing bowl to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Baking dish: A baking dish is used to arrange and bake the ham balls in the oven. It should be greased to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the dish during baking.
- Saucepan: A saucepan may be used to heat the barbeque sauce, tomato soup, milk, and vinegar mixture before pouring it over the meatballs. This helps to ensure that the sauce is hot and ready to be poured over the cooked meatballs.
Storing and Freezing Pork and Beef Ham Balls
- Let the pork and beef ham balls cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the ham balls:
- Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the ham balls are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen pork and beef ham balls will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the ham balls in a sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham Balls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork and beef ham balls in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meatballs while preventing them from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the meatballs halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your leftover meatballs, try reheating them in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a splash of barbecue sauce or tomato soup to the pan and heat over medium heat until the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. This method will give your meatballs a nice crispy exterior while keeping them moist and flavorful on the inside.
For a more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker to reheat your leftover meatballs. Simply place the meatballs in the slow cooker and add a little bit of barbecue sauce or tomato soup to keep them moist. Heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through. This method is great if you need to reheat a large batch of meatballs for a party or gathering.
If you want to get creative with your leftover meatballs, try slicing them up and using them as a topping for a pizza or adding them to a hearty soup or stew. You can also use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or even crumble them up and use them as a topping for a salad. The possibilities are endless!
Interesting Fact About Pork and Beef Ham Balls
Pork and beef ham balls are a popular Midwestern dish, often served at potlucks and family gatherings. They are a delicious combination of ground pork and beef, mixed with a tangy barbeque sauce and tomato soup. This unique dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of both pork and beef in one tasty meatball.
Is Making Ham Balls at Home Cost-Effective?
This pork and beef ham balls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found and reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of beef and pork provides a hearty and flavorful base, while the addition of barbeque sauce and tomato soup enhances the overall taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-20, making it an affordable meal option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for pork and beef ham balls is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork, which are high in saturated fat and calories.
- The meatballs are baked in a sauce made with barbeque sauce and tomato soup, which are likely to be high in sugar and sodium.
- The recipe calls for milk and vinegar, but these ingredients do not significantly contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish.
- There are no vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients included in the recipe.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) and lean ground pork to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Replace half of the meat with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Incorporate vegetables into the meatballs, such as finely chopped or grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach. This will add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
- Make your own barbeque sauce using tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and a reduced amount of sugar or a sugar substitute to control the sugar and sodium content.
- Replace the tomato soup with a low-sodium variety or use crushed tomatoes for a healthier alternative.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Editor's Opinion on Pork and Beef Ham Balls
This recipe for pork and beef ham balls is a delightful combination of flavors. The blend of ground beef and pork creates a rich and savory base for the meatballs, while the barbecue sauce, tomato soup, and vinegar add a tangy and sweet dimension to the dish. The use of milk in the sauce brings a creamy element that complements the meatballs perfectly. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to satisfy any meat lover's cravings.
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Why trust this Pork and Beef Ham Balls Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite, combining the savory flavors of beef and pork with a tangy and sweet sauce made from barbeque sauce, tomato soup, and a touch of vinegar. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor. With a simple preparation and common ingredients, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Trust the combination of classic ingredients and straightforward cooking methods to deliver a satisfying and comforting meal.
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