Oh, let me tell you about my Christmas meatballs! These little gems are bursting with festive flavors that make them the star of any holiday gathering. Picture this: tender meatballs made with a savory blend of ground beef and pork, mingled with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, all enveloped in a rich, sweet marinara sauce. Yum! They’re not just delicious; they’re super easy to whip up, too! Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or bringing a dish to a potluck, these meatballs are sure to impress. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around for seconds. It’s a recipe that brings joy to the table and warmth to the heart—perfect for creating holiday memories!
Ingredients for Christmas Meatballs Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/2 pound ground pork (adds great flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using Italian seasoned for extra zest)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated gives the best taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh for that vibrant pop of color)
- 1 large egg (helps bind everything together)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked, if possible)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (to balance the acidity of the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for that deep umami flavor)
How to Prepare the Christmas Meatballs Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get that oven preheating! Start by setting it to 400°F (200°C). This is going to ensure your meatballs get that lovely golden crust while staying juicy inside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Don’t be shy—mix them up with your hands for the best texture! Now, add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a festive medley, so get in there and mix until everything is well combined. You want the flavors to dance together!
Now comes the fun part: shaping the meatballs! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Pop those meatballs into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and beautifully browned. While they’re baking, let’s whip up the sauce! In a saucepan, mix together the marinara sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat it over medium until it simmers—oh, the smell is divine!
When the meatballs are done, gently add them to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes. This step infuses them with that lovely sauce flavor. Your Christmas meatballs are now ready to shine on the table!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Meatballs Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive flavors that bring joy to every gathering.
- Versatile—great as appetizers, main dishes, or party snacks.
- Can be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Deliciously paired with toothpicks for easy serving at parties!
Tips for Success with Christmas Meatballs Recipe
To make your Christmas meatballs truly shine, here are a few handy tips! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatball mix from the store, but trust me, homemade is worth the extra love! Don’t hesitate to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Make sure to keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that golden-brown color and a firm texture. For serving, try pairing these meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness. And remember, they taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extras!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for this Christmas meatballs recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. For the most accurate information, I encourage you to consider your ingredient choices and portion sizes. It’s all about making these meatballs work best for you and your holiday feast!
FAQ About Christmas Meatballs Recipe
Can I use only ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the mix of beef and pork gives a lovely flavor and moisture, you can definitely use just ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to choose a fattier blend, like 80/20, to keep them juicy!
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats! They both work beautifully as binders and still keep that delightful texture.
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often prepare the meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge, or even freeze them uncooked. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake, and they’ll be just as delicious!
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
Great question! The best way is to use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have one, just cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I add other spices to the meatball mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your spices. A pinch of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or even some smoked paprika can add fantastic flavors to your Christmas meatballs!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Meatballs Recipe
When it comes to serving my Christmas meatballs, the options are endless! I love to present them on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during parties—everyone loves a good finger food! You can also serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttery garlic bread for a heartier meal. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness, and don’t forget a bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping! These meatballs also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Christmas Meatballs Recipe
Storing your leftover Christmas meatballs is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Simply wrap each meatball tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also simmer them gently in marinara sauce on the stovetop for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Christmas meatballs all over again!
Print
Christmas Meatballs Recipe: 5 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A festive and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine marinara sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce; heat until simmering.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning based on your taste.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas meatballs recipe
