Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast are more than just an appetizer; they are the heart and soul of our holiday gatherings. There’s something undeniably magical about these plump, flavorful spheres, seasoned to perfection and simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce, that instantly transforms a chilly evening into a warm embrace. For generations, they’ve been the star of our festive table, a crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than Santa down a chimney. What makes these Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of tender ground meat, a hint of warming spices, and a secret ingredient that gives them an unforgettable depth of flavor. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for dipping, spearing, or just enjoying by the handful as you gather with loved ones, reminisce about years past, and create new cherished memories. This recipe is designed to be approachable, so even if you’re new to holiday cooking, you can effortlessly bring this delightful dish to your celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also swap this for ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option)
- 1 lb ground beef (alternatively, ground chicken is a fantastic leaner choice)
- 1 cup breadcrum extractbs (Italian-stylrum extractreadcrumbs work wonderfully, or use gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (if you want a bolder flavor, try Pecorino Romano)
- 2 large eggs (these are crucial for binding all our ingredients together)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced; for a gentler, sweeter garlic taste, consider using roasted garlic)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped; if you’re feeling adventurous, fresh basil offers a lovely twist)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (this is key for that authentic, comforting Italian taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t be shy with the salt; it really wakes up all the other flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best for a more vibrant flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (this is completely optional, but adds a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin extract is great here, and we’ll use it for browning our meatballs beautifully)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped; this will bring a delightful sweetness to our sauce)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (this forms the rich, savory base of our Christmas Eve sauce)
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (these add wonderful texture and bursts of tomato flavor to the sauce)
Forming the Savory Meatballs
Step 1: Combine Your Meatball Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two pounds of ground beef (or your chosen alternative meats). To this, add trum extractcup of breadcrumbs, the half cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the two eggs. Make sure the eggs are well distributed as they are our primary binder. Next, incorporate the minced garlic, the chopped fresh parsley, the dried oregano, the teaspoon of salt, and the half teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re opting for a touch of spice, now is the time to add the quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Gently Mix and Form Your Meatballs
This is a critical step to ensure tender meatballs. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so be tender and mindful. Once everything is incorporgin extractd, begin to form the mixture into uniform meatballs. I find rolling them about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter works best for even cooking and a satisfying bite. You should aim to get around 24-30 meatballs from this mixture. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Crafting the Rich Tomato Sauce
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for Flavor Foundation
Now, let’s move on to the sauce. Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped medium onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes softened and translucent. This process, known as caramelizing the onions, releases their natural sweetness and builds a crucial flavor foundation for our sauce. Don’t rush this step; patient sautéing yields superior flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Once the onions are tender, add the three cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste. Now, pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all the intense tomato flavor comesgin extractom.
Bringing it All Together: Simmering Perfection
Step 5: Brown and Simmer for Ultimate Flavor Infusion
Carefully add the formed meatballs directly into the simmering tomato sauce. You don’t need to pre-cook them in a separate pan; they will cook beautifully right in the sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. Ensure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, and the meatballs will become incredibly tender and juicy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. For an even richer sauce, you can let it simmer for up to 1.5 hours, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. Season with additional salt and pepper to your taste before serving. This slow simmering process is key to achieving that deep, comforting flavor perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve feast.
Conclusion:
There you have it – your guide to crafting the most delectable Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast! These meatballs are more than just a dish; they are a warm hug on a chilly evening, a centerpiece of comfort, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your holiday celebrations. We’ve covered everything from the initial preparation to the final, mouthwatering bake, ensuring you have all the tools to create a truly memorable meal.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions! While a classic marinara sauce is always a winner, consider a creamy gravy, a tangy cranberry glaze, or even serving them as sliders on mini brioche buns. For variations, feel free to experiment with different herbs like sage or rosemary, or even add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s preferences. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and embark on this culinary adventure. I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy every step of making and sharing these wonderful meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What kind of meat can I use for these Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast?
The recipe is versatile! While a mix of beef and beef offers great flavor and tenderness, you can also use just beef, or even a combination of ground turkey and beef for a slightly lighter option. Just ensure the meat has a decent fat content for juiciness.
Savory Beef Meatballs-Cozy Christmas Eve Feast
Cozy and savory beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a delightful Christmas Eve feast.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
Instructions
-
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. -
Step 2
Form the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. You should aim for 24-30 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. -
Step 4
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic. -
Step 5
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. -
Step 6
Carefully add the formed meatballs directly into the simmering tomato sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30-45 minutes, or up to 1.5 hours for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally and season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.