Chili Balls
Chili Balls are savory meatballs infused with chili flavors, simmered in a tomato-based sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, uncooked rice, milk, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Brown the meatballs in hot oil or fryer until golden.
- Combine canned tomatoes, water, chopped onion, salt, and remaining chili powder in a pot.
- Bring the tomato mixture to a boil.
- Drop the browned meatballs into the boiling mixture.
- Cover and cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used instead of uncooked, but reduce the cooking time slightly. For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a diced jalapeño. Using lean ground beef and pork will help reduce grease.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili balls over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Zesty Scalloped Potatoes for a hearty dinner. Drizzle with hot sauce for added heat, and consider offering crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chili balls in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Balls contains roughly 1773 calories, with 76g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (152% of the Daily Value), iron (75% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the canned tomatoes and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute the rice with quinoa or a gluten-free grain to maintain the texture and flavor.
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).