Festive Holiday Meatballs Recipe for Christmas Eve Magic

Festive holiday gatherings buzz with excitement as these christmas eve meatballs unite guests around a warm, inviting table.

Rich aromas drift through cozy kitchens, promising comfort and tradition.

Generations blend seamlessly when these tender, savory morsels appear.

Perfectly seasoned and meticulously crafted, these meatballs tell stories of cherished memories.

Each bite connects loved ones through shared culinary heritage.

Families celebrate with these delectable morsels that sparkle with festive spirit.

Prepare to embrace the magic of holiday cooking with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Heart of the dish, choose lean cut for balanced flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender, light texture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Milk: Softens breadcrumbs and adds moisture to prevent dry meatballs.
• Egg: Natural binder that helps hold meatballs together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory depth and classic Italian character.

• Garlic: Provides intense, warming flavor and traditional Italian essence.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and herbal undertone.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complex spicy note.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Creates rich base and helps develop deep cooking flavors.
• Onions: Builds foundational savory sweetness for sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates robust tomato flavor and thickens sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides main sauce body with bright, tangy character.
• Red Wine: Adds sophisticated depth and richness to sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle, warming spiciness.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and rounds sauce flavor.

Tools List For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Skillet or large frying pan: Perfect for searing meatballs and creating the rich sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Meat thermometer (optional): Ensures meatballs are cooked to safe internal temperature.

Easy Guide To Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Soak and Blend

Dunk breadcrumbs in milk for a quick soak. Combine ground beef, egg, garlic, cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Mix gently without overworking the meat.

• Shape and Sear

Roll meat mixture into plump, uniform balls. Heat oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides, creating a delicious golden crust.

• Craft the Sauce

In the same pan, soften onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly. Splash in wine and scrape up tasty browned bits. Pour crushed tomatoes and sprinkle seasonings. Let the sauce bubble and develop rich flavors for 15 minutes.

• Marry Meatballs and Sauce

Nestle seared meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cook for another 15 minutes until meat is perfectly done. Garnish with fresh herbs.

• Serve with Love

Plate meatballs over pasta, creamy potatoes, or alongside crusty bread. Enjoy this comforting holiday classic with family and friends.

Handy Cooking Tips For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Tender Meat Magic: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra rich flavor depth.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare meatballs and sauce up to 3 days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip pasta and serve meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal option.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: These meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.

How To Serve Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Holiday Feast Companion: Serve these juicy meatballs over creamy polenta for a luxurious Italian-inspired dinner that feels extra special.
• Festive Bread Dipping: Grab a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful tomato sauce, transforming your meal into a delightful comfort food experience.
• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange meatballs in a large rustic serving dish, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and place in the center of the table for a warm, communal dining atmosphere that encourages sharing and connection.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the meatballs and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Christmas Eve Meatballs Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked meatballs in airtight containers, separating sauce from meat to prevent sogginess. Refrigerated meatballs remain delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Power Technique: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen meatballs stay tasty for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook meatballs during weekends, dividing into portion-sized containers. Easily reheat in microwave or stovetop, maintaining tender texture and rich flavor.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra meatballs into sandwiches, salad toppers, or chop and mix into pasta dishes. Versatility ensures zero food waste and exciting meal variations.

Festive Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty christmas eve meatballs blend Swedish culinary traditions with festive comfort. Norwegian-inspired seasonings and rich marinara sauce create a delightful holiday meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
• 1 can (28 oz/794 g) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) red wine (or beef broth)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp sugar
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Soak breadcrumbs in milk, allowing them to soften and create a tender foundation for the meatballs.
2. Meat Mixture: Blend ground beef, egg, garlic, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley into the breadcrumbs, mixing delicately to maintain a light texture.
3. Shaping: Craft uniform meatballs, approximately 1½ inches in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
4. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully browning meatballs on all sides to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer to a holding plate.
5. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and tomato paste, stirring to intensify flavors and create a robust base.
6. Liquid Integration: Deglaze the pan with wine or broth, scraping up browned bits, then pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and a hint of sugar to balance acidity.
7. Simmering: Allow sauce to reduce and develop complexity, then gently reintroduce meatballs, immersing them completely and continuing to cook until fully done.
8. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, creating a vibrant herbal accent. Serve piping hot alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Bread Absorption Technique: Soak breadcrumbs in milk thoroughly to ensure meatballs remain incredibly moist and tender, preventing dry texture.
• Gentle Mixing Strategy: Handle meat mixture delicately with light, gentle folding to maintain soft, delicate meatball structure and avoid compact, tough results.
• Consistent Size Cooking: Use uniform meatball sizing (1½ inches) for guaranteed even cooking, preventing undercooked or overcooked portions in the batch.
• Temperature Control Hack: Maintain medium heat during searing to develop golden-brown exterior without burning, creating perfect caramelized crust while keeping interior juicy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg