Go Back
–+ servings

Christmas Eve Meatballs

These juicy and flavorful meatballs are simmered in a rich and festive sauce, making them the perfect addition to your holiday table. Serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer for your Christmas Eve celebration!
No ratings yet
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Holiday, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal

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

For a sweeter version, use cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam. The meatballs can also be served as an appetizer during your Christmas Eve celebration.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
Keyword Christmas Eve Meatballs, Christmas Recipe, Holiday Meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!