Ham-Ball Stew
Ham-Ball Stew features tender meatballs in a flavorful wine and bouillon broth, finished with a creamy thickened sauce and a hint of dill, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 pound ground ham ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground pork ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant chopped chives ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon seasoning
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, pour milk over cracker crumbs.
- Add ground ham, ground pork, salt, pepper, dry mustard, chopped chives, and eggs; mix lightly.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- In a Dutch oven or large, deep skillet, combine white wine, water, and chicken bouillon; bring just to a boil.
- Add the meatballs to the liquid.
- Cover and simmer for about 50 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through, without boiling.
- Remove the meatballs to a warm serving dish.
- Stir the blended flour and water into the pan liquid, cook and stir until thickened.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle with dill weed and serve over warm rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using herbs like thyme or parsley in the meatball mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, crushed breadcrumbs or even rolled oats can work as substitutes. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers and flour. Don't skip the simmering step; it helps the flavors meld beautifully. For a twist, try adding a bit of cheese to the meatballs for creaminess similar to Cheesy Herb Stuffed Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham-Ball Stew over warm rice or noodles for a comforting meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. For a heartier option, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken And Mushrooms In Wine Sauce for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a minute or two, covered, until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Ball Stew contains roughly 241 calories, with 10g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1116mg per serving (49% 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 Ham-Ball Stew?
Yes, you can freeze the Ham-Ball Stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water if necessary to keep it moist.
What can I use instead of ground ham?
If you don't have ground ham, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, finely chopped leftover ham can also work well, adding a different texture and flavor profile to the stew.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Simmering gently for the recommended time typically ensures they are cooked through and flavorful.
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).