"Chestnut Burrs"
Chestnut Burrs are hearty stuffed meat balls with savory bread and vegetable filling, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, parsley, salt, and pepper; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in dry bread cubes to the skillet mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the beef mixture into balls about 3 inches in diameter.
- Flatten each ball into a thin patty.
- Fill each patty with the prepared stuffing mixture and reshape into large balls, leaving the top open.
- Bake the stuffed balls at 350°F for 1 hour until cooked through and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of oleo. You can also incorporate diced mushrooms or bell peppers into the vegetable mixture for added texture. If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes. Make sure the bread cubes are dry to absorb the flavors well without becoming mushy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Chestnut Burrs make a hearty main dish and pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving them alongside mashed potatoes or a warm grain salad for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to a potluck or family gathering, much like the American recipes you may find at a holiday table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burrs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You may also microwave them for quicker reheating, but the oven will help preserve the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Chestnut Burrs" contains roughly 1338 calories, with 116g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (444% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (288% of the Daily Value), and protein (232% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2930mg per serving (127% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare the stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the burrs when you're ready to bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier dish.
What can I use instead of bread cubes?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread or cooked quinoa as a substitute for the bread cubes. Both alternatives will provide a different texture but will still work well with the flavors of this dish.
How do I know when the burrs are fully cooked?
The burrs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Additionally, they should be nicely browned on the outside, which indicates they are cooked through.
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).