Sweet & Tangy Ham Balls
A Midwest farm classic with a Krogman twist
When we moved to our farm, one recipe kept popping up again and again: Sweet & Tangy Ham Balls. It’s a familiar dish around here, with plenty of variations — some shaped into balls, others baked as a loaf — but always rich, savory, and finished with an unmistakable sweet-tangy sauce.
If you’ve never had ham balls, think of them as a flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for a cozy family meal or feeding a game-day crowd.
This version is simple, dependable, and especially good when made with our KHM high-quality ground ham and ground pork.
The combination of ground ham and ground pork is what gives ham balls their signature flavor. The ham adds depth and savoriness, while the pork keeps everything moist and tender. Using well-raised meat makes a noticeable difference in both taste and texture — and it’s why this recipe really shines with our farm-raised ground ham and pork.
Sweet & Tangy Ham Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Ham Balls
- 1 lb ground ham
- 1½–2 lb ground pork (ground beef may be substituted)
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
Sauce
- 1 cup tomato soup or ketchup
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground ham, ground pork, oatmeal, milk, salt, and eggs until just combined.
- Form into approximately 2-inch balls and place in a 9×13 baking dish or oven-safe roasting pan.
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the ham balls.
- Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, until cooked through and bubbling. (If you choose to make a loaf or 2 instead, increase cooking time to 90 min.)
Serving Ideas
Serve sweet & tangy ham balls over mashed potatoes or rice with a simple vegetable on the side. They reheat well and are just as good the next day — if you have any left.
