why make this recipe
Christmas Eve Meatballs are a fantastic dish for family gatherings and festive celebrations. They are easy to prepare and delicious, making them an ideal choice for feeding a crowd. With their savory flavors and comforting texture, these meatballs will bring joy to your holiday table. This recipe serves 10 people, ensuring there’s enough for everyone to enjoy. Plus, they can be made in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.
how to make Christmas Eve Meatball
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for cooking)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Directions:
Making Christmas Eve Meatballs is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your delicious meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- Transfer to Oven: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering meatballs ready to delight your guests.
how to serve Christmas Eve Meatball
Serve Christmas Eve Meatballs with a side of spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy picking. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
how to store Christmas Eve Meatball
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they should be good for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
tips to make Christmas Eve Meatball
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough.
- For extra flavor, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes before shaping the meatballs.
- You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork for a lighter option.
- If you like a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
variation (if any)
You can customize the meatballs by adding different herbs and spices, such as thyme or mint. For a twist, try adding some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use frozen meat?
A: Yes, you can use frozen meat but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before mixing and forming the meatballs.
Q: What can I serve with these meatballs?
A: These meatballs go well with pasta, sub sandwiches, or on their own with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Christmas Eve Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.