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Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs

Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs

Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for warming hearts and bellies during the holiday season. This recipe offers a delightful combination of savory flavors and a comforting texture, making it an ideal appetizer or main course for your Christmas Eve celebrations. It's incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 30 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best flavor)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, depending on desired texture)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% for moisture)
For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste, for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • - Baking Sheet
  • - Parchment Paper
  • Skillet or Dutch oven
  • Tablespoon or small cookie scoop

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and milk. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
    1.5 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup milk

  2. Step 2: Form the Meatballs

    Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get approximately 30-36 meatballs.

  3. Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

    Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. They don't need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely browned to seal in the juices and add flavor. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
    1 tablespoon olive oil

  4. Step 4: Prepare the Sauce Base

    In the same skillet or Dutch oven, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic

  5. Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
    1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  6. Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

    Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the simmering sauce. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or up to an hour, for the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through and become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  7. Step 7: Finish the Sauce (Optional)

    If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
    1/4 cup heavy cream, Salt, black pepper

  8. Step 8: Serve

    Garnish your Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs with fresh basil or parsley before serving. They are fantastic served over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer.
    Fresh basil or parsley

Notes

These Cozy Christmas Eve Meatballs are excellent for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
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