Marinated Meat Balls

Prep: 20 min

Juicy marinated meatballs with a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for gatherings or hearty family meals, combining ham and pork with a flavorful marinade.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground ham
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground pork
  • 2 c. bread crumbs
  • 1 1/4 c. milk
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 c. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 c. vinegar
  • 1 c. water

Instructions

  1. Heat the mixture of vinegar, water, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until warm.
  2. Place the meatballs in a Pyrex bowl.
  3. Pour the heated marinade over the meatballs, ensuring they are covered.
  4. Keep the meatballs hot in the marinade before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or chopped herbs like parsley or oregano to the meat mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the ground pork. Opt for whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier twist. Adjust the sweetness of the marinade by varying the amount of brown sugar based on personal preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these marinated meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating. They pair beautifully with Cuban Style Black Beans and rice for a hearty meal. Consider offering a side of bread stick snacks to soak up the delicious marinade. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover marinated meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or marinade to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinated Meat Balls contains roughly 1373 calories, with 42g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2868mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).

1373 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42g 84% DV
Total Fat 31.9g 41% DV
Carbs 223.9g 81% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 149.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2867.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 1102.6mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 88.5mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 229.7mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 19.2mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 719.7mg 55% DV
Iron 12.6mg 70% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different meats like ground beef or chicken. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the meat used, so ensure they are cooked through before serving.

How long should I marinate the meatballs?

For the best flavor, marinate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If time allows, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors further.

Can I freeze the marinated meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the meatballs in the marinade in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

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).

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