Hamburg Balls
Juicy hamburger balls infused with vegetables and seasoned spices, simmered in tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners, comfort food lovers, and those craving hearty, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, chopped onions, chopped green peppers, cornmeal, chili powder, dry mustard, salt, pepper, milk, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Blend thoroughly until well mixed.
- Form the mixture into 12 balls.
- Roll each ball in flour to coat evenly.
- Brown the balls in hot Spry (shortening) in a skillet until browned on all sides.
- Add the remaining flour and canned or cooked tomatoes to the skillet.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 35 to 45 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or herbs like parsley or oregano. If you don't have cornmeal, breadcrumbs can be a good substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of hamburger. Always ensure the meatballs are cooked through before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these savory Hamburg Balls with a side of Dorothy'S Scalloped Potatoes for a hearty meal. They also pair well with a fresh salad or Southern Style Cabbage for a balanced plate. For a fun twist, serve them with toothpicks as appetizers at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Balls contains roughly 223 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% 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 Hamburg Balls after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Hamburg Balls. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave.
What can I use instead of Spry for browning?
If you don't have Spry, you can use any vegetable shortening or cooking oil like canola or olive oil for browning the meatballs. Each option will contribute slightly different flavors, so choose based on your preference.
How can I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To scale the recipe, simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need. Ensure you use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking. Consider pairing with American recipes like baked beans to satisfy a larger group.
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).