Ham Meatball Recipe

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Looking for a quick dinner idea that is budget friendly? This simple ham meatball recipe will easily become a family favorite. With its savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s loved by everyone! Served with your favorite sides, it’s a go-to meal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe won’t disappoint.

When life gets busy and the budget is tight, easy recipes like this are lifesavers! Made with simple ingredients, they save time while keeping everyone happy. Plus, ideas like quick dinners and leftovers make meals stress-free.

Stretching your grocery budget can feel tricky, especially when life gets hectic and the economy is struggling. That said, meals like this make it easier. They use simple, everyday ingredients, so you’re not overspending on extras.

Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose any leftover meat sitting in the freezer from a holiday feast. Instead of letting food go to waste, you can create something delicious that the whole family will love. Thaw that leftover frozen ham from Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas and make this recipe!

This type of dish also take the stress out of dinner, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or errands, having an easy-to-make meal like this in your plan is a lifesaver. They also make a great appetizer for a gathering you might be hosting.

Recipes Using Ham

Leftover ham can transform into so many comforting dishes that bring the family together around the table. If you’re craving gooey, a creamy twist on a classic favorite or something that will be a hit with kids and adults alike, we have you covered!

These meals make it easy to turn leftovers into something special, leaving your family full and happy.

Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Ham Meatballs

When it comes to making this recipe, each ingredient plays its part in creating a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. Together, these ingredients work in harmony to make a meal that’s comforting, delicious, and full of love. Each ingredient is thoughtfully included to make sure every bite is as delicious and comforting as the last!

Ingredient List and Their Significance:

  • Butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps sauté the onion and garlic for deepened flavors.
  • Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the meatballs.
  • Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor profile and complements the ham and pork beautifully.
  • Ham: Brings a salty, smoky element while using up leftovers in a smart way.
  • Ground Pork: Adds juiciness and balances the saltiness of the ham for a well-rounded taste.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the final recipe from crumbling apart.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps hold everything together while adding a touch of texture.
  • Milk: Introduces moisture to the savory sphere, ensuring they stay tender and soft.
  • Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet contrast in the glaze, complementing the tangy mustard and vinegar.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a slightly sharp, piquant flavor that brightens up the dish.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the glaze with a mild tang, rounding everything out.

Mixing ground ham and ground pork creates a combination that takes this recipe to the next level. Ham brings a smoky, salty flavor that adds depth, while the ground pork delivers a juicy, tender consistency. Together, they create a perfect balance of textures—soft yet firm enough to hold their shape without being dry.

The richness of the pork mellows out the ham’s saltiness, creating a well-rounded flavor that everyone will love. This pairing ensures your final outcome is moist, flavorful, and packed with character, making every bite truly unforgettable. It’s a winning duo that will have your family asking for seconds!

This duo of the meat combination adapts beautifully to different seasonings, so whether you’re going for a classic savory blend with herbs or a bold, spicy kick, it just works. Want to switch things up? It’s perfect for various cuisines—think Italian-style meatballs with marinara, sweet-and-sour Asian-inspired dishes, or even a smoky barbecue twist. The balance of flavors opens up so many possibilities, letting you get creative while still delivering juicy, flavorful results every time. It’s a base that can transform into something special, no matter the cravings!

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Meatballs

If you’ve never made a recipe like this before before and you’re overwhelmed by it, let me share with you some of my best tips.

  1. Choose Quality Meat
    Start with fresh, high-quality meats like ground ham and pork for unbeatable flavor. Avoid overly lean cuts, as a little fat ensures the end result stay juicy and tender.
  2. Don’t Overmix
    Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough, so use a light hand and stop as soon as the mixture holds together.
  3. Use a Binder
    Ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs are essential to hold themtogether. Make sure to evenly incorporate them for perfect consistency every time.
  4. Add Moisture
    Incorporate milk or even some grated vegetables like onion to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out as they cook.
  5. Season Generously
    Don’t hold back on seasoning. Use a good pinch of salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices your recipe calls for to bring out the flavor of the meat.
  6. Test Your Seasoning
    A quick way to test your seasoning is to cook a small portion of the mixture in a skillet. This lets you adjust and perfect the seasoning before shaping all them.
  7. Form Uniform Sizes
    Use a scooper or weigh your portions to make evenly-sized bites. This ensures they cook consistently and look great when served.
  8. Chill Before Cooking
    If your mixture feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to shape these and helps them hold their form during cooking.
  9. Sear for Maximum Flavor
    Browning them in a hot skillet before finishing them in the oven or sauce gives them a delicious crust and locks in flavor.
  10. Don’t Overcook
    Keep an eye on them as they cook, and use a meat thermometer if needed. Overcooking can dry them out, so aim for just right—juicy and fully cooked through.
  11. Match the Sauce
    Pair them with a sauce that complements your chosen seasonings. Whether it’s marinara, gravy, or sweet-and-sour glaze, the right sauce amplifies the flavor.
  12. Freeze for Later
    Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days. They reheat wonderfully and save you time when the craving hits.

With these tips, you’ll have perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs that are sure to be a hit with your family and guests!

Tips for Grinding Ham for Homemade Meatballs

If you’ve never ground meat at home, it might seem scary. No worries- it is super easy!! All you need is a food processor, which most people have in their kitchen!

  1. Choose the Right Grinder
    Use a meat grinder or a food processor for the best results. A grinder gives a more uniform texture, while a food processor works well if you don’t have a grinder on hand.
  2. Chop Ham into Smaller Pieces First
    Before grinding, cut your ham into smaller cubes (about 1-inch pieces). This makes it easier for your equipment to process evenly and prevents clogging.
  3. Keep Ham Cold
    Always work with chilled ham. Cold meat grinds better and maintains its structure, helping prevent overly mushy or greasy texture in your meatballs.
  4. Pulse Instead of Process
    If using a food processor, pulse the ham instead of running it continuously. This gives you better control over the texture and stops you from over-processing.
  5. Use the Right Grinder Attachment
    For a meat grinder, choose a medium or coarse grinding plate. This keeps the ham chunky enough to hold its character in the recipe, while still blending well with the pork.
  6. Work in Batches
    Don’t overload your grinder or processor. Grind small portions at a time to ensure an even texture and to avoid straining your equipment.
  7. Clean as You Go
    Check your grinder or processor for any build-up during the grinding process. Clear out any excess ham to keep things running smoothly and maintain a consistent grind.
  8. Combine Well with Pork
    Once the ham is ground, mix it evenly with the ground pork by hand. Gently fold the meats together; this preserves the fluffy texture of the mixture.
  9. Taste Matters
    When selecting the ham, go for one with a subtle smoky or savory flavor. Avoid overly sweet or strongly spiced varieties, as they may overpower your recipe.
  10. Clean Your Tools Thoroughly
    After grinding, clean and sanitize your grinder or food processor right away to avoid leftover residue and ensure it’s ready for your next cooking adventure.

With these tips, grinding your ham will be a breeze, making your meatballs shine with the perfect mix of flavor and texture!

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Love soup? Try our delicious meatball soup recipe. So easy and incredibly tasty!

Tips for Reheating Fully Cooked Meatballs

If you have leftovers after making this recipe, here are our best tips for heating them back up using a variety of methods.

  1. Reheat in the Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place them in a baking dish and cover them with foil to retain moisture.
    • Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If they’re in a sauce, pour it over them before covering.
  2. Use the Stovetop
    • Add ythem to a skillet with a bit of water, broth, or sauce to prevent them from drying out.
    • Cover the skillet and heat over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until evenly warmed.
  3. Microwave Method
    • Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to lock in moisture.
    • Heat in short intervals (30-45 seconds) on medium power, stirring or flipping occasionally until fully heated.
  4. Reheat in a Slow Cooker
    • Place them in your slow cooker and add sauce if desired.
    • Set the temperature to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method works great for large batches and keeps the meatballs warm until serving.
  5. Steam Heat
    • Fill the bottom of a steamer pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
    • Place them in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 10 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
  6. Avoid Overheating
    • Whichever method you choose, don’t overheat them, as this can make them dry or rubbery. Heat them just until warmed through to keep them juicy.
  7. Test the Internal Temperature
    • For safe reheating, ensure the internal temperature of them reaches 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.
  8. Add Sauce or Broth
    • If reheating plain meatballs, consider adding some sauce or broth to enhance their flavor and keep them moist while heating.

These tips ensure your food stay juicy, flavorful, and ready to serve with minimal effort!

If you’re really looking to stretch your budget, consider some of these recipes.

Tips for Freezing Leftover Meatballs

You might find yourself with leftovers, especially if you double the recipe. Then you can pull out what you need to add to an upcoming dinner or to heat up for a fast lunch.

  1. Cool Them First
    Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Freezing them while hot can lead to excess moisture and icy textures later.
  2. Use Freezer-Safe Containers
    Store them in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Freeze Plain or Sauced
    You can freeze this recipe plain or in sauce. If using sauce, make sure the meatballs are well-coated to keep them moist and flavorful.
  4. Portion for Convenience
    Divide them into meal-sized portions before freezing. This makes it easier to defrost only the amount you need.
  5. Flash Freeze for Better Shape
    If freezing plain meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a container or bag. This helps them keep their shape and prevents sticking.
  6. Label Everything
    Always label containers with the date and contents. This recipe can last up to 3 months in the freezer, but knowing when you froze them ensures optimal flavor.
  7. Choose the Right Wrapping
    If not using a container, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
  8. Avoid Overpacking
    Don’t squash too many meatballs into one container or bag. Leave a little space for more even freezing and easier removal.
  9. Defrost Properly
    Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator or directly in a warm sauce on the stovetop if you’re short on time. Avoid microwaving them in the frozen state to prevent uneven heating.
  10. Reheat Gently
    Once defrosted, reheat them gently using your preferred method (oven, stovetop, or slow cooker) to maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezing leftover meatballs is a great way to save time and reduce waste without sacrificing taste. Prepare them right, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-go meal whenever you need it!

Want a super easy dinner idea? Make Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Slow Cooker.

Homemade Meatball Recipes

They are the ultimate comfort food, and these recipes bring bold flavors and creative twists to the table. From classic beef to spicy buffalo chicken and zesty jalapeno, there’s something here for every craving and occasion.

No matter which recipe you try, all of these are sure to impress with their versatility and mouthwatering taste. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to elevate your meatball game!

Ham Meatball Recipe

Ham Meatball Recipe

Yield: 36
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups finely ground ham
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil.
  2. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until they’re tender.
  3. Take the skillet off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled onions and garlic with the ground ham, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands.
  5. Scoop the meat mixture with a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, forming it into balls, and place them on the foil-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes.
  7. While the meatballs are baking, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  8. Remove the meatballs from the oven, brush the glaze over the top, and bake them for an additional 10 minutes.
  9. Once done, allow the meatballs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Three meatballs is a serving. This recipe makes a total of 36 meatballs.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 3
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 453mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 19g


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