Mini Meatballs

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min

Mini meatballs infused with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rum offer a savory, slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or casual gatherings with wooden picks.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Bacardi light rum
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 pressed clove garlic
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 lb. ground beef

Instructions

  1. Mix the Bacardi light rum, soy sauce, pressed garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl.
  2. Add the ground beef to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Bake the meatballs at 300°F (150°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once during cooking.
  5. Serve the meatballs with wooden picks.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, you can substitute the Bacardi light rum with a splash of whiskey or omit it entirely if preferred. If you don't have ground ginger, fresh ginger can be grated to taste. Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. If you're short on time, consider using a meatball mix or pre-made beef recipes to save preparation time.

Serving Suggestions

These mini meatballs are perfect as appetizers, served with wooden picks for easy eating. They pair well with dipping sauces like sweet and sour or spicy mustard. For a complete meal, serve alongside Spanish Rice And Beef or a fresh salad. They also make a great addition to a cocktail party or game day spread.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mini Meatballs contains roughly 506 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

506 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.3g 25% DV
Total Fat 20.2g 26% DV
Carbs 65.7g 24% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1008.2mg 44% DV
Potassium 475.5mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 60.3mg 5% DV
Iron 8.5mg 47% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Soy

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 ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of these meatballs. Just be aware that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These mini meatballs can be served with a variety of sides. They pair well with rice dishes, like Spanish Rice And Beef, or can be served on a bed of noodles with a sauce. Consider adding a fresh vegetable platter for a balanced meal.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs. To freeze uncooked meatballs, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked meatballs can also be frozen and reheated later, making them a great meal prep option.

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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