Beef Sausage Balls Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer You’ll Love!

Looking for the perfect bite-sized appetizer or a protein-packed snack that everyone will rave about? This beef sausage balls recipe checks every box. Juicy, savory, cheesy, and super easy to make, these little wonders come together with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re planning a family brunch, a holiday party, or just craving something comforting and protein-rich, beef sausage balls are the ultimate solution.

Unlike traditional pork sausage balls, this version uses ground beef, giving you a deeper, richer flavor that’s still perfectly moist. I love making a batch ahead of time and reheating them for busy mornings or quick snacks. You can even freeze them and bake fresh whenever the craving hits. Let’s dive into one of the easiest, most satisfying recipes you’ll ever try!

Why These Beef Sausage Balls Always Hit the Spot

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a savory bite that’s ridiculously simple, flavor-packed, and flexible enough to work for just about any occasion, this beef sausage balls recipe is your answer. It’s one of those recipes that’s both no-fuss and no-fail, even if you’re short on time or ingredients.

Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• No Bisquick Needed: A lot of sausage ball recipes rely on baking mix, but this one skips that for a more flavorful and slightly heartier result using pantry staples.
• Bold, Beefy Flavor: Ground beef gives these balls a juicy richness you just don’t get with pork alone.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: They freeze well, reheat well, and hold their shape beautifully, so they’re ideal for prepping ahead of parties or busy weeks.
• Customizable: You can go low carb, gluten free, or spice them up based on what you like or need.
• Versatile Enough for Breakfast or Snacks: They’re just as good with scrambled eggs in the morning as they are dipped in spicy mustard during game night.

Want to explore ingredient swaps for special diets?

Check out this high-authority guide on gluten-free sausage balls by Gluten-Free on a Shoestring, super helpful if you’re avoiding wheat-based ingredients or cooking for someone who is.

What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Scrambling Later)

Here’s the thing, these beef sausage balls come together pretty quickly, but doing just a little prep ahead of time makes the process even smoother, especially if you’re making a big batch or planning for guests.

Before you start mixing and rolling, here’s what you can do in advance:

• Grate the cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the sausage balls their signature texture. Shred and store it in the fridge up to 3 days ahead.
• Chop herbs or optional add-ins: If you’re adding fresh parsley, jalapeños, or scallions, dice them ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
• Measure your dry ingredients: Get your breadcrumbs and seasonings pre-measured and stored in a small prep bowl or baggie.
• Portion and freeze raw beef: If you’re using frozen ground beef, thaw it the night before. You can also pre-portion your sausage and beef mixture in freezer-safe bags for later use.
• Make the mixture ahead of time: You can prep the whole mixture, roll the balls, and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Doing these steps ahead makes it easy to throw the tray in the oven whenever you’re ready, no stress, no mess.

Recipe Card

Beef Sausage Balls Recipe

Recipe by Kenza Edem

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

balls

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories per serving

140

kcal

These beef sausage balls are an easy, savory appetizer packed with cheese and spices, perfect for parties or a quick snack.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 lb beef sausage, uncooked

• 1 ½ cups almond flour (or regular flour for non-keto)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese, beef sausage, and almond flour until mixed
• Add spices : Baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
• Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, about an inch apart.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly, then serve!

Notes

• Make-ahead: Prep and refrigerate balls a day in advance for easy baking later.
• For extra moisture: Add a touch of oil if the beef sausage is particularly lean.
• Try different cheeses: Sharp cheddar works best, but pepper jack adds a kick!

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Protein: 9g

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My Go-To Tricks for Nailing These Beef Sausage Balls

• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a balanced cheesy flavor that isn’t too overpowering.
• Chill the meat mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping; it firms up the fat and helps the balls hold together better.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, give each sausage ball room to brown evenly on all sides.
• Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
• If you want an extra crispy outside, brush the sausage balls lightly with melted butter before baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking—160°F (71°C) is the safe internal temp for ground beef.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey center or pepper jack for some heat.

What to Serve with Beef Sausage Balls

Pair these Beef Sausage balls with classic dips like honey mustard, ranch, or even your favorite homemade options. Try pairing them with some of our blog’s reader-favorite dips like Knorr’s Spinach Dip or Rotel Dip for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing spread. For a spicy taste, you can try this Macha Salsa Recipe, too!

For brunch, try serving them with our Perfect Fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fresh fruit. If you’re putting together a party platter, pair them with deviled eggs and fresh vegetables for variety. For a lighter option, a simple green salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast.

Variations to Try (Because Playing with Flavors Is the Best Part)

If you’re like me, you love playing around with ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or what your cravings demand, so here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Spicy Cajun Beef Sausage Balls: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne to the mix. This gives the sausage balls a smoky, spicy kick perfect for game day. Bake the same way.
• Italian Style: Swap smoked paprika and oregano for Italian seasoning and add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley. These pair amazingly with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Low Carb/Keto Friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This keeps the sausage balls dense and moist but low in carbs. Bake as usual.
• Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed: Before rolling each ball, stuff a small cube of mozzarella in the center. Expect gooey, cheesy pockets with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Sausage Balls

Wrapping It Up: Why You’ll Love This Beef Sausage Balls Recipe

I hope this recipe inspires you to make your own batch of beef sausage balls soon. They’re one of those easy, crowd-pleasing snacks that never go out of style, perfect for game days, quick snacks, or even breakfast. With simple ingredients and flexible options for customization, this recipe fits effortlessly into any kitchen routine.

If you are looking for another salty appetizer, try the Smoked Cream cheese recipe!