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–+ servings
Christmas Eve Meatballs

Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs That Warm the Heart

Delightful Christmas Eve Meatballs are a comforting crowd-pleaser, filled with rich flavors that bring warmth to holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef offers rich flavor and helps keep the meatballs tender.
  • 1 pound ground pork adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to balance the beef.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs acts as a binding agent to hold everything together while adding texture.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick to enhance the meatball flavor.
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish with a fresh herby note.
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion infuses sweetness and depth into the meat mixture.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced brings a fragrant aroma that elevates the dish.
  • 2 large eggs help bind the ingredients together for a perfect hold.
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors, so don't skip this step!
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano gives a classic Italian flavor that complements the marinara sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil pairs beautifully with oregano for a burst of herbal freshness.
For the Sauce
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce the rich tomato base that brings everything together for those delicious Christmas Eve Meatballs.
For Frying
  • olive oil for frying, helps achieve that irresistible golden crust on the meatballs.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • baking dish
  • oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pound of ground beef and pound of ground pork. Mix until the meats are fully blended, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil into the mixture. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked meatballs.
  4. Step 4: Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, yielding 24–30 meatballs. Rolling them firmly will help them hold together.
  5. Step 5: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown each side of the meatballs for about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce generously over them, ensuring each meatball is well coated.
  7. Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and meatballs are cooked through.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Choose quality meats, avoid overmixing, shape meatballs evenly, watch cooking time, and let them rest before serving to enhance flavors.

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