Best 4 Iowa Ham Balls Main Dish Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Iowa Ham Balls: A Midwestern Comfort Food Delight**

Savor the tantalizing flavors of Iowa ham balls, a beloved Midwestern comfort food dish that combines ground ham, oats, and seasonings to create delectable meatballs. These savory treats are a staple at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, offering a burst of umami in every bite.

Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of the Midwest with this collection of Iowa ham ball recipes. Explore the classic version, featuring a blend of ground ham, oats, eggs, and spices, or venture into variations that incorporate additional ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or even a sweet and tangy glaze.

Whether you prefer your ham balls pan-fried until golden brown or baked to perfection in the oven, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. Discover the secrets to achieving a tender and flavorful interior, complemented by a crispy or slightly chewy exterior.

Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Iowa ham balls, a dish that has been passed down through generations. Experience the culinary traditions of the Midwest as you savor these hearty and comforting meatballs, perfect for any occasion.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THIS IOWA GIRL'S HAM BALLS



This Iowa Girl's Ham Balls image

An Iowa favorite. Ham Balls give you the best of both sweet and tangy flavors. Enjoy them with your favorite potatoes or mac and cheese.

Provided by Kim

Categories     Main Dishes

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground ham
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine ground pork, ground ham, eggs, milk, and graham cracker crumbs.
  • Using a 1/2 cup measuring cup, form ham balls, and place in a 9" x 13" baking pan.
  • To prepare the sauce, combine brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, water, and vinegar.
  • Pour the sauce on top of the ham balls.
  • Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Baste the ham balls periodically with the sauce while baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Carbohydrate 29 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 110 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 14 grams fat, Fiber 0 grams fiber, Protein 24 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 664 milligrams sodium, Sugar 23 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams unsaturated fat

HAM BALLS



Ham Balls image

Ham Balls are a classic midwestern meatball recipe. Ground ham and ground beef are mixed together with graham crackers and topped with a tomato brown sugar sauce.

Provided by Susie Weinrich

Categories     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb ground ham (see note about finding and/or making ground ham**)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (finely ground)
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 10 3/4 oz. can condensed tomato soup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tsp dry mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°
  • Combine the meatball ingredients. In a large bowl lightly combine the 1 lb ground ham, 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 3/4 cup milk, and 1 egg. Make large meatballs. Form the mixture into large meatballs, about 1/3 cup in size each. Place into a 9x13 baking dish. You will have about 12-15 meatballs.
  • Whisk together the sauce ingredients & pour over meatballs. In another bowl whisk together the can of condensed tomato soup, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1 tsp dry mustard. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Bake 1 hour. Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 1 hour, basting the tops of the ham balls with the sauce once or twice during cooking.
  • Cool & eat! Let the meatballs cool for about 5-10 minutes and then serve with mashed or baked potatoes and veggies.

IOWA HAM BALLS



Iowa Ham Balls image

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.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield about 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

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

Steps:

  • 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 :

IOWA HAM BALLS



Iowa Ham Balls image

Make and share this Iowa Ham Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by grandma2969

Categories     Meat

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs ground ham
2 lbs ground beef
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 (10 1/3 ounce) cans tomato soup, undiluted
3/4 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 1/4 cups brown sugar

Steps:

  • combine ham, beef, crumbs, eggs and milk --
  • shape into 1/2 cup size balls and place in a 13x9" baking pan --
  • pour sauce over balls and bake at 350* for 1 hour.

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground pork and ground beef for a more flavorful ham ball.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture. This will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the ham balls from becoming dry.
  • Season the ham balls generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
  • Brown the ham balls in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to develop a nice crust on the outside of the balls and seal in the juices.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the sauce. This will add flavor and color to the dish.
  • Serve the ham balls over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Conclusion:

Iowa ham balls are a delicious and easy-to-make main dish. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning, you can have this dish on the table in no time. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Iowa ham balls a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics