Ahh, a Beef Cheese Ball 🧀🥩—a savory, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or game day. It combines ground beef (or cooked shredded beef) with cheese, seasonings, and sometimes nuts or herbs, then is shaped into a ball for easy serving with crackers or bread.
Classic Beef Cheese Ball
Servings: 8–10
Prep time: 15 min
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or finely shredded beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for rolling
- Optional: chopped parsley, chives, or paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Mix ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Shape the ball
- Form the mixture into a ball or oval shape with your hands.
- Coat the ball
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts, herbs, or paprika to coat the outside evenly.
- Chill
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve
- Place on a platter with crackers, sliced bread, or raw vegetables.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Flavor boost: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or mustard to the mix for a tangy kick.
- Texture: Use finely chopped cooked bacon or sautéed onions in the mixture for extra richness.
- Make-ahead: Can be made 24 hours in advance; flavors meld beautifully when chilled overnight.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs, paprika, or extra shredded cheese on top for a festive look.
I can also give a smoky beef cheese ball with caramelized onions and bacon version that’s extra indulgent and perfect for parties.
Do you want the smoky, bacon version?
