Beefy Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted & chopped
• 2 8 oz packages softened cream cheese
• 1 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 2.25 oz jar dried beef, such as Armour
• 4 chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the pecan pieces on a baking sheet for 6-8 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Finely chop the dried beef and the green onions.
5. Add the chopped dried beef and green onions to the cream cheese mixture and whip them in just until blended, being careful to avoid pureeing the onion.
6. Using a large spoon or spatula, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese by hand.
7. Shape the mixture into a ball.
8. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm.
9. Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the cooled, toasted chopped pecans to coat.
10. Serve the beefy cheese ball with assorted crackers, fresh vegetables, or pita chips.