If you’re looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish for your Christmas dinner, look no further than Meatball Parmesan. This recipe is not only full of flavor but also easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of lean ground beef and Italian ground pork creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- The cheesy, saucy goodness of Meatball Parmesan will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef and Italian ground pork provide a hearty base for the meatballs.
- Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add texture and flavor.
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together, while Italian seasoning and garlic add depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese and pasta sauce create a deliciously cheesy and saucy topping.
- Fresh basil adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and eggs.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet.
- Pour pasta sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and bake until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try using a blend of different cheeses in the topping.
- Swap out the ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a burst of flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Meatball Parmesan over cooked pasta or alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze Meatball Parmesan?
- Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
- Absolutely, feel free to use pre-made meatballs to save time.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- What can I serve with Meatball Parmesan?
- This dish pairs well with pasta, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Conclusion:
Meatball Parmesan is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests this Christmas. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Meatball Parmesan For Christmas Dinner
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight your guests with this festive Meatball Parmesan dish, featuring a blend of lean ground beef and Italian ground pork, seasoned with a mix of Italian herbs and spices. Topped with rich pasta sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil, this dish is sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian ground pork
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
Additional Ingredients:
- 1½ 24-oz jars pasta sauce
- 1–1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs of equal size.
- Cook Meatballs: In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess fat.
- Assemble Dish: Pour pasta sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil.
- Bake: Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the meatball mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg