Beef Party Ball
A creamy, savory beef party ball flavored with green onions, garlic salt, Worcestershire, horseradish, and dried beef, perfect for gatherings and served with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cream cheese, sliced green onions, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and two-thirds of the chopped dried beef into a mixing bowl.
- Beat at medium speed for 1 minute until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and coat with the remaining dried beef.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the dried beef with finely chopped cooked ham or turkey for a different flavor. Experiment with adding spices like paprika or crushed red pepper for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the horseradish or omit it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Party Ball pairs beautifully with assorted crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or pretzel bites. For a complete snack spread, consider offering a selection of cheeses and olives alongside it. It also complements drinks like beer or wine well, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, let the ball sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again, or microwave in short bursts on low power to avoid melting the cheese too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Party Ball contains roughly 58 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef ball a day in advance. Just shape it and coat it with beef, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of dried beef?
If you can't find dried beef, consider using finely chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto for a smoky flavor. Creamy cheeses like Brie can also be a tasty alternative, giving a different texture and richness to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe contains beef, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the dried beef with finely chopped nuts or seeds, and adding herbs for flavor. Cream cheese mixed with herbs and spices can also be a delicious option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).