Looking for a delicious and easy dish to serve at your holiday gathering? These savory Christmas Eve meatballs are the perfect choice! Packed with flavor and simple to make, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ground beef, pork, and flavorful seasonings creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have these meatballs ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and convenient meal option.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (swap for ground turkey for a lighter dish)
- Ground pork (consider using ground chicken for a leaner option)
- Breadcrumbs (use Italian-style or gluten-free for dietary needs)
- Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano can be a flavorful substitution)
- Eggs (acts as a binder)
- Garlic (minced, roasted garlic can offer a milder flavor)
- Fresh parsley (swap with fresh basil for flavor variation)
- Dried oregano (essential for classic Italian flavor)
- Salt (enhances all flavors)
- Black pepper (fundamental seasoning)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- Olive oil (for browning meatballs)
- Medium onion (adds sweetness to the sauce)
- Crushed tomatoes (main base of the sauce)
- Diced tomatoes (adds texture)
- Tomato paste (intensifies flavor)
- Dried basil (complements flavors)
- Sugar (balances acidity of tomatoes)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Crusty bread (perfect for soaking up sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve with crusty bread on the side.
Helpful Tips:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To make ahead, prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and simmer before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs like parsley and basil for added freshness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions:
These meatballs are delicious served over cooked pasta or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Pair with a glass of red wine or a refreshing Italian soda for the perfect holiday meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the meatballs and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, you can freeze the meatballs after they have been cooked. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use different meat combinations? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different ground meats like turkey, chicken, or even lamb.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat level.
Conclusion:
These savory Christmas Eve meatballs are a must-try for your holiday feast. With their delicious flavors and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new family favorite. Give this recipe a try and share your feedback with us! Happy cooking!
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Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These savory Christmas Eve meatballs are a perfect addition to your cozy holiday feast, featuring a blend of ground beef and pork seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served with crusty bread, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp sugar
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup extra Parmesan cheese
- crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl, form into balls, and brown in olive oil.
- Make the Sauce: Saute onion, add tomatoes, paste, and seasonings. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with basil, Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg