Sauerkraut Beef Balls
Savory sauerkraut beef balls offer a tangy flavor with tender meat and aromatic caraway seeds, making a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups drained sauerkraut ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water or kraut juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons caraway seed ⓘ
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup yogurt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 package noodles (6 to 8 oz) ⓘ
- 1 can celery or mushroom soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the caraway seed in water for 5 minutes.
- Combine ground beef, drained sauerkraut, rolled oats, salt, pepper, and soaked caraway seed in a bowl.
- Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 36 balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in flour to coat evenly.
- Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs in hot oil until they develop a golden crust.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the meatballs slowly for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or onion into the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs as a convenient substitute. Experiment with different types of ground meat or add some diced bell peppers for extra texture. This recipe is versatile, and you can easily add spices to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flavorful beef balls over a bed of noodles for a hearty meal, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a lighter option. They pair wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt on top, enhancing the dish's creaminess. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Avocado-Tomato Soup for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sauerkraut beef balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, covered, until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerkraut Beef Balls contains roughly 1839 calories, with 15g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 164g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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 use a different type of meat for the beef balls?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter twist. Just be mindful that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement the flavor of the meat.
What can I do if the meatballs are falling apart while cooking?
If your meatballs are crumbling, try adding a bit more rolled oats or an extra egg to help bind the mixture together. Additionally, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs to create a good crust that holds them together.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as usual. This makes them a great option for meal prep!
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).