Festive Holiday Magic: Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe

Hearty christmas eve meatballs bring warmth to our holiday table like a cozy blanket on a snowy night.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers memories of laughter and tradition.

Generations have gathered around these savory spheres, sharing stories and creating connections.

Tender meat mixed with herbs and love becomes more than just a dish.

Each perfectly seasoned bite tells a story of comfort and celebration.

Small touches of garlic and fresh parsley elevate these classic meatballs beyond ordinary expectations.

Gather close and let this recipe become part of your own festive memories.

Storage Tips For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate the meatballs from sauce when possible to maintain their texture.
• Pack them in shallow containers to help quick, even cooling.
• When reheating, use low and slow methods to keep the meat tender and prevent drying out.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of extra sauce or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze cooked meatballs for maximum 3 months in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags.
• Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety when warming stored meatballs.

Perfect Pairings For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Italian Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich, meaty flavors of these Christmas Eve meatballs perfectly, cutting through the tomato sauce's acidity while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Select Creamy Potato Side: Serve alongside smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and luxurious combination that balances the meatballs' hearty texture.
• Embrace Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a bright, clean flavor that lifts the entire dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the deep, savory sauce and meat.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread becomes the ideal accompaniment, helping diners soak up every last drop of the flavorful tomato sauce while adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.

Try These Variations Of Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Spicy Mediterranean Meatballs: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar, add ground lamb alongside beef, incorporate cayenne pepper for heat, and swap tomato sauce with harissa-infused marinara for a zesty Mediterranean flair.
• Scandinavian-Style Meatballs: Substitute beef with a mix of ground pork and veal, include nutmeg and allspice in the meat mixture, use beef broth instead of wine, and serve with lingonberry jam and creamy dill sauce.
• Lean Protein Power Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, mix in grated zucchini for moisture, add quinoa instead of breadcrumbs, and create a lighter tomato sauce with roasted red pepper puree for extra nutrition.
• Asian Fusion Meatballs: Blend ground pork with ginger, garlic, and green onions, incorporate soy sauce and sesame oil into the meat mixture, replace tomato sauce with a glossy hoisin-based glaze, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.

FAQs About Christmas Eve Meatballs

FAQs:

• Why soak breadcrumbs in milk before making meatballs?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps create tender, juicy meatballs by adding moisture and preventing them from becoming dense or tough.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great! Just ensure the meat reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption and adjust seasoning to complement the lighter meat.

• What if I don't have red wine for the sauce?

No problem! You can substitute red wine with beef broth or chicken stock. The goal is to add depth and complexity to the sauce’s flavor profile.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for ground beef. Alternatively, cut a meatball in half to ensure no pink remains in the center.

Why Christmas Eve Meatballs Feel Extra Special

• Quick and Easy Festive Feast: These Christmas Eve Meatballs deliver a delightful holiday meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy cooks wanting to create something special without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Packed with rich flavors from parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a robust tomato sauce, these meatballs will satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents, making them ideal for large family gatherings.
• Versatile Holiday Dish: Easily adaptable to different serving styles, these meatballs can be enjoyed over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or simply with crusty bread, providing flexible meal options for different preferences.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Using common pantry staples and straightforward cooking techniques, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without intimidating steps.

Christmas Eve Meatballs Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: The star of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and hearty texture. Choose ground beef with some fat content for juicier results.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the meatball mixture.

• Garlic: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor to both meatballs and sauce. Fresh garlic is always recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that brings herbaceous notes to the dish.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color to the final dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Create a tender meatball texture by helping to retain moisture.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing meatballs and sautéing sauce base.
• Onions: Provide a sweet, foundational flavor for the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce's rich tomato flavor.
• Red Wine or Broth: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

How To Cook Christmas Eve Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley

Delicately mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into perfectly rounded spheres, each about the size of a golf ball. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown crust. Rotate the meatballs every few minutes to create an even, crispy exterior. Once browned, transfer them to a separate plate.

Step 4: Craft the Flavorful Sauce

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize briefly. Pour red wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Simmer and Combine

• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pinch of sugar

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for about 15 minutes. Gently return the browned meatballs to the sauce, allowing them to cook through and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After the meatballs have simmered and are fully cooked, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a hearty and comforting meal that captures the warmth of Christmas Eve.

Smart Tips For Christmas Eve Meatballs

• Soak Breadcrumbs Smartly: Let breadcrumbs absorb milk completely to ensure meatballs stay moist and tender, preventing dry and crumbly textures.
• Handle Meat Gently: Mix meatball ingredients minimally to avoid tough meat, stopping when ingredients are just combined for a softer, more delicate result.
• Control Browning Perfectly: Sear meatballs on medium heat to develop a gorgeous golden crust without burning, creating rich caramelized flavor and sealed exterior.
• Balance Sauce Flavor: Add a pinch of sugar to tomato sauce to neutralize acidity and enhance overall taste, creating a more rounded and sophisticated sauce profile.
• Make Ahead with Ease: Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator, then reheat gently to maintain moisture and intensify flavors before serving.

Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Festive Swedish meatballs shine bright on holiday tables, bringing family traditions to life. Succulent meat, fragrant spices, and creamy sauce invite guests to savor warm comfort and delightful winter memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup red wine (or beef broth)

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture by softening breadcrumbs in milk, allowing the crumbs to absorb liquid and create a tender texture. Let the mixture rest for a brief moment.
2. Gently incorporate ground beef, egg, minced garlic, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley into the softened breadcrumbs. Mix with a light touch to prevent dense meatballs.
3. Form the meat mixture into uniform spheres, approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Ensure consistent sizing for even cooking.
4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden searing environment for the meatballs.
5. Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Rotate gently to achieve an even golden-brown crust.
6. Remove browned meatballs and set aside on a clean plate, preserving their crisp exterior.
7. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics.
8. Introduce minced garlic and cook momentarily, filling the kitchen with a fragrant essence.
9. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring to intensify its deep, concentrated flavor and create a robust base for the sauce.
10. Deglaze the pan with red wine or broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s surface.
11. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
12. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop complexity, reducing and concentrating its flavors.
13. Gently return the seared meatballs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are fully immersed and continue cooking until completely done.
14. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note.
15. Serve the meatballs and sauce piping hot alongside pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old bread or sturdy white bread for breadcrumbs to ensure meatballs maintain perfect moisture and texture.
• Meat Mixing Technique: Gently mix ingredients with your hands, avoiding overmixing which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check internal meatball temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Versatile Sauce Adaptation: Swap red wine with beef broth for alcohol-free version or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg