Ham Balls

Name: Ham Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 15 servings
Ingredients: 3-1/2 pounds ground ham; 1-1/2 pounds ground beef; 3 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups whole milk; 3 cups graham cracker crumbs; 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) tomato soup, undiluted; 3/4 cup vinegar; 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour

Yield 15 servings

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Don't worry if you've never heard of ham balls. They're well known in the Midwest for their unique sweet-tangy flavor, and they may just become your new favorite meatball.

Ingredients

3-1/2 pounds ground ham
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups whole milk
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) tomato soup, undiluted
3/4 cup vinegar
2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Directions

In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Using a 1/3 cup measure, shape mixture into 2-in. balls. Place in two large shallow roasting pans. Combine all remaining ingredients; pour over balls. Bake at 325° for 1 hour, basting frequently with sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 632 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1671mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.

This is a special recipe my whole family likes. Every time they visit and I make ham balls, they're all smiles. When I take this to potluck meals, I'm always asked to share the recipe. It's very appropriate for my region, too, since Iowa farmers raise prize-winning pigs and cattle. —Helen Koehler, Liscomb, Iowa

Recipe Creator