Tamale Balls

Name: Tamale Balls
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: Approx. 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb ground beef; 1 1/2 lb ground pork; 1 1/2 c corn meal; 3/4 c apple juice; 1/2 c flour; 2 tsp garlic powder; 3 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp cajun seasoning; 60 oz V8 Juice; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp cajun seasoning; 1 tsp sugar

By Stacey Lawson
@slawson

Whenever we have a get together I am asked to bring tamale balls. Here in New Orleans hot tamales are a delicacy. Tamale balls are very spicy and very delicious cousin to the hot tamale. They are a great appetizer but you can also put a few on a roll and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and you have a very spicy sandwich.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

What a great appetizer! Imagine all the yummy deliciousness of a tamale in a bite-size package. These do have a bit of a kick, so adjust the heat to your liking. The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★★ 18 votes5

Comments:

124 Comments

Serves:

Approx. 12

Prep:

35 Min

Cook:

1 Hr 30 Min

Method:

Stove Top

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb

ground beef
1 1/2 lb

ground pork
1 1/2 c

corn meal
3/4 c

apple juice
1/2 c

flour
2 tsp

garlic powder
3 tsp

chili powder
2 tsp

cumin
2 tsp

salt
2 tsp

cayenne pepper
2 tsp

cajun seasoning
60 oz

V8 Juice
2 tsp

chili powder
2 tsp

cumin
1 tsp

salt
1 tsp

cayenne pepper
1 tsp

cajun seasoning
1 tsp

sugar
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How to Make Tamale Balls

Step-by-Step

In a large mixing bowl combine the first 11 ingredients to form tamale balls.
Form into 1" balls and set aside.
In a large pot combine the remaining ingredients for tamale ball sauce.
Add formed balls to sauce and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tamale balls are fully cooked. Tamale balls will increase in size due to the cornmeal and become like a tamale.
Alternate Cooking Directions:
Follow steps one and two, and then combine sauce in a large slow cooker and add formed balls. Cook on high for five to six hours or until tamale balls are fully cooked.