Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious food! These Christmas Eve Meatballs are a perfect addition to your holiday spread, bringing warmth and festive flavors that will make your Christmas Eve even more special. Whether served as an appetizer or as the main course, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Eve Meatballs
- Festive & Flavorful – The perfect balance of spices and holiday-inspired sauce make these meatballs stand out on any holiday table.
- Tender & Juicy – Made with a blend of high-quality meat, these meatballs are baked or seared to perfection, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
- Easy to Make – With simple, accessible ingredients, you can easily create a gourmet holiday dish at home.
- Versatile – Serve them with pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy them on their own as an appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare these meatballs ahead of time, making them ideal for entertaining or a stress-free holiday meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (or a blend of beef and other lean meat like turkey for a lighter option)
- Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 1 large egg
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (grated or finely chopped)
- Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
- Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs that scream “holiday flavor”)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For the Festive Sauce:
- Tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture)
- Beef broth (adds a rich, savory base for the sauce)
- Brown sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Garlic (minced, for extra flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce (for a savory undertone)
- Dijon mustard (a touch of tang)
- Balsamic vinegar (adds a layer of sweetness and richness)
- Cranberry sauce (or lingonberry jam for a Nordic touch – adds a festive sweetness)
- Cinnamon (adds warmth, perfect for the holidays)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix the ingredients gently until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs – Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, and set them aside on a plate or tray. You should have about 20-25 meatballs, depending on size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Pan-Sear Method – Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Baking Method – If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Festive Sauce
- Sauté Garlic – In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce – Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together.
- Combine – Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes so that the meatballs absorb all the rich flavors.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pairing Options – Serve your Christmas Eve meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. You can also serve them as a hearty appetizer with toothpicks, perfect for a holiday gathering.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations to Try
- Swedish-Style Meatballs – Add a touch of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy, rich flavor that’s perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired twist.
- Spicy Cranberry Sauce – Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for those who like a little more heat in their holiday meals.
- Cheesy Meatballs – For an extra surprise, stuff your meatballs with small cubes of mozzarella cheese before cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free holiday meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – You can freeze the cooked meatballs with the sauce for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
- Reheating – To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Christmas Eve Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs breadcrumbs Use panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes red pepper flakes Optional for a spicy kick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil olive oil For cooking
- 1 cup tomato sauce tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce cranberry sauce Optional: Lingonberry jam or cherry preserves
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon cinnamon Adds a hint of holiday warmth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet or skillet.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in a little olive oil for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs a day before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This will save time on the big day.
What’s the best meat for juicy meatballs?
A blend of ground beef and lean turkey or chicken creates the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. The fat in the beef ensures the meatballs are tender, while the lean turkey helps keep them light.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce. Let them cook on low for 4-5 hours for an easy and hands-off preparation.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs will work as well. Just simmer them in the sauce for 15-20 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
What sides go well with these meatballs?
Pair these savory meatballs with classic mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I substitute cranberry sauce?
Yes! You can swap the cranberry sauce with lingonberry jam for a Scandinavian-inspired flavor or even use cherry preserves or pomegranate sauce for a different twist.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer for a little longer. Alternatively, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and stir it into the sauce to thicken it up.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
Yes! The recipe can be adjusted for little ones by reducing the spices and using a milder sauce. The meatballs are still delicious without the extra heat.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can make these meatballs dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using a dairy-free substitute like nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
These Christmas Eve Meatballs will undoubtedly be a favorite at your holiday table. With their savory meatballs and a festive sauce full of warm spices and sweet-tart cranberry goodness, they’re sure to bring smiles to your guests. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as the main course, they’re a perfect dish for creating lasting memories during the holiday season.
Try these festive meatballs this Christmas Eve and enjoy a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make and packed with holiday cheer!
