Print

Christmas Eve Meatballs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Christmas Eve Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich, savory sauce, making them a festive and comforting dish for your holiday table. Serve them over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup red wine (or beef broth)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, egg, garlic, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
  3. Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in red wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer & Serve

  1. Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 15 more minutes, until fully cooked.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  3. Serve warm with pasta, mashed potatoes, or bread!

Notes

  • Want extra tender meatballs? Use a mix of beef and pork.
  • Make ahead: Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Pair it with: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp red wine! 🍷

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/christmas-eve-meatballs/