Christmas Eve Meatballs

These Christmas Eve Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich, festive sauce that makes them the perfect holiday dish. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these meatballs bring warmth and comfort to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Flavorful – A special blend of spices and sauce makes these perfect for the holidays.
• Tender & Juicy – Baked or pan-seared for the ultimate texture.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with a gourmet result.
• Versatile – Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance for easy entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

For the Festive Sauce:

• Tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• Beef broth
• Brown sugar
• Garlic (minced)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Cranberry sauce (or lingonberry jam for a Scandinavian touch)
• Cinnamon (a hint for holiday warmth)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form Meatballs – Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Pan-Sear Method – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
2. Baking Method – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Festive Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic – In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Simmer the Sauce – Add tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and cinnamon. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Combine – Add the cooked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
2. Pairing Options – Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swedish-Style Meatballs – Use heavy cream in the sauce for a creamy version.
• Spicy Cranberry Sauce – Add cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Cheesy Meatballs – Stuff with small mozzarella cubes for a surprise center.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What’s the best meat for juicy meatballs?

A mix of ground beef and pork makes the juiciest meatballs.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then cook in the sauce on low for 4 hours.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Use store-bought meatballs and simmer them in the sauce for 15-20 minutes.

What sides go well with these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair beautifully.

Can I substitute cranberry sauce?

Yes! Use lingonberry jam, cherry preserves, or even pomegranate sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! A splash of red wine adds depth to the flavor.

Are these meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes! Reduce the spices for a milder flavor kids will love.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free substitute.

Conclusion

These Christmas Eve Meatballs are a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting family meal. With a rich, festive sauce and juicy meatballs, this dish is sure to be a holiday favorite. Try them this season and make your Christmas Eve extra special!

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