Chili Burger Balls
Juicy meatball bites simmered in a tangy chili sauce, blending savory flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix meat mixture with egg, bread crumbs, milk, salt, and paprika until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into 16 balls.
- Brown the meatballs in salad oil; remove from pan and pour off drippings.
- Stir chili sauce, water, brown sugar, and mustard into a kettle.
- Return the meatballs to the kettle; cover and simmer, stirring several times, for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half the meat with turkey or chicken. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs if needed. Make sure to keep the meat mixture well-chilled before shaping to make rolling easier. If you prefer extra flavor, add chopped onions or garlic to the meat mixture. Serve with a drizzle of extra chili sauce for added zest.
Serving Suggestions
These chili burger balls are delicious served hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer at gatherings, served with toothpicks and extra chili sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chili sauce to keep the meatballs moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them for quick reheating, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Burger Balls contains roughly 746 calories, with 15g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (143% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 794mg per serving (35% 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 freeze the chili burger balls after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chili burger balls for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
What type of meat can I use for the meat mixture?
You can use a combination of ground beef and pork for traditional flavor, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure that the meat has some fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
How can I make these chili burger balls spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in chopped jalapeños or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy chili sauce or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
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).