Use lean ground beef to reduce fat in beef balls.
Ground beef is not only one of the more popular meats consumed in the United States, it also can be prepared in a manner that removes some of the fat content. A 3-ounce portion of pan-fried ground beef with 5 percent fat contains 5 g fat and 127 calories. When combined with several other ingredients, you can turn lean ground beef into tasty beef balls with bourbon.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion and one egg in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well.
2. Divide the beef mixture into 12 to 15 sections. Roll each section into the shape of a ball. Set the balls aside.
3. Combine the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, crumbled bay leaf and bourbon in a medium-sized bowl. Set the sauce mixture to the side.
4. Coat the frying pan with olive oil. Turn the stove top on medium heat, and allow the oil to spread evenly over the pan.
Cooking
5. Place the beef balls into the pan carefully. Cook half of the balls at a time if there is not enough room in the pan.
6. Continue cooking the beef over medium heat and turn the balls onto all sides until each ball is completely browned.
7. Place the balls in a large, oven-safe baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef balls.
8. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the bourbon balls for 15 minutes, or until the sauce is well-heated throughout.
Finishing Touches
9. Use potholders to remove the dish from the oven carefully.
10. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl or deep serving platter. Place a toothpick into each beef ball for your guests' convenience.
11. Place your bourbon beef balls in a warming drawer if you have prepared this appetizer ahead of time.
Tags: beef balls, ground beef, lean ground, lean ground beef, medium heat