Bear meatballs are an easy dinner idea that uses ground bear meat. If you are a experienced cook, these should be ready in an hour or less. If you are unfamiliar with cooking, it may take a bit longer. But still, very simple to make.
How to make Bear meatballs
Ground bear meat is perfect for these juicy meatballs. Diced onions, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and an egg to hold it all together. I like lots of onions in my meatballs, but if you don't, or if you have picky kids, just substitute onion powder or omit altogether.
Place the egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings into a bowl. Add ground bear meat and gently mix with your hands. Use gloves if you don't like the feeling of raw meat on your hands!
Divide meatball mixture into 12 portions, and form each portion into a ball. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding a spoonful of fat to the skillet when it's heated. Place meatballs into the hot fat and brown on all sides. Do not try to cook through, just brown them quickly.
When the bear meatballs are browned, remove from heat and spoon sauce over the meatballs. Cover with foil and place into a preheated oven for 30 minutes. You can add 1/2 cup of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
What to serve with Bear Meatballs
These bear meatballs are so juicy and delicious, they can star in any family dinner. I like these Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and a simple Spinach Salad on the side. A chunk of soft cornbread would not be amiss!
For dessert, try these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese frosting.
Can this recipe be doubled? Yes! Double or triple this recipe easily.
Can you freeze bear meatballs? Yes! Freeze these raw, then place in a pan and bake at a later date. Just increase the baking time to 45-60 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Or, you can bake the recipe as directed, then wrap tightly and freeze.
How to make gluten-free meatballs
You can easily make these gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs. Or, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Bear Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bear meat
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons bacon fat or oil
Sauce for meatballs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ onion diced
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside for later.
- Place meat, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, sauces, and seasonings into mixing bowl and mix gently with your hands.
- Divide meatball mixture into 12 portions, form each portion into a ball.
- Heat bacon fat (or oil) in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides quickly.
- When all meatballs are browned, turn off heat and spoon the sauce over the tops of each meatball.
- Cover skillet with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until no longer pink inside.
Notes
Nutrition
A great way to use up some bear meat in my freezer. The family enjoyed these meatballs.
We had them and they were excellent. We will be making more for a dish at Thanksgiving.