Surprise Meatballs
Surprise Meatballs feature a flavorful beef exterior filled with surprises like bacon, olives, or blue cheese, perfect for a savory appetizer or hearty main dish for meat lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sour cream, grated onion, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
- In a frying pan, cook bacon until crisp, then cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Discard all but 1 teaspoon of bacon fat from the pan.
- Cut each green olive into quarters.
- Shape blue cheese into 6 small balls.
- Combine ground beef with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Shape the beef mixture into 20 small balls.
- Make an indentation with your thumb in each beef ball and place a piece of bacon, olive quarter, or blue cheese ball inside.
- Press the beef around the filling to seal each meatball.
- Saute the meatballs in bacon fat over medium heat until browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Drain the meatballs and serve with the sour cream mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can substitute the blue cheese with feta for a milder taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Make sure to check the doneness of the meatballs with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Surprise Meatballs with the sour cream mixture on the side for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside garlic bread or over a bed of pasta. These meatballs also make a great appetizer for gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, and cover with a lid until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise Meatballs contains roughly 174 calories, with 10g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1452mg per serving (63% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and a little lemon juice can also work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary slightly with these substitutes.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes, you can make vegetarian meatballs using plant-based ground meat or a mixture of cooked lentils, oats, and chopped vegetables. Replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or a vegan bacon alternative. Use a vegan cheese substitute in place of blue cheese for a completely meat-free version.
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).