As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of savory spices mingling with the sweet aroma of tomatoes brought me back to holiday gatherings with family. Christmas Meatballs have a special place in my heart, not just for their delectable taste, but also for the memories they create around the dinner table. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, combining ground beef and sweet port wine, making it a festive crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress! The prep is as easy as can be, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities rather than fretting over the stove. Plus, these meatballs can be made ahead of time and store beautifully in the freezer, making them a convenient choice for those busy holiday celebrations. Want to know how to make these irresistible treats come alive in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Christmas Meatballs So Special?
Family Tradition: Each bite brings back cherished holiday memories, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
Sweet & Savory: The combination of port wine and brown sugar creates a unique flavor profile that’s irresistible.
Easily Make-Ahead: Prepare them ahead to save time on busy days; just reheat them in your slow cooker or Dutch oven!
Versatile Dish: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish to wow your guests.
Crowd-Pleasing: With about 36 meatballs created from this recipe, they're destined to be the star of your holiday buffet.
Christmas Meatball Ingredients
• Get ready for a festive feast with these delightful Christmas meatballs!
For the Meatballs
- Ground beef chuck – A juicy choice that ensures your meatballs are tender and flavorful.
- Evaporated milk – Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping the meatballs tender during cooking.
- Dry breadcrumbs – Acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape and texture.
- Worcestershire sauce – For a rich, umami flavor, don't skip this essential ingredient!
- Onion soup mix – Infuses these Christmas meatballs with deep onion flavor, perfect for your holiday table.
For the Sauce
- Ketchup – The base of your sauce, adding sweetness and tanginess that pairs beautifully with meatballs.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the sweetness and balances the acidity of the ketchup, adding that festive touch.
- Port wine – A delightful addition for richness; you can substitute with any sweet red wine if you prefer.
- Fresh cranberries (optional) – For a pop of color and tartness, these make a beautiful garnish and extra holiday flavor!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, dry breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well blended. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the meat mixture is chilling, preheat your broiler to high. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup. The parchment will help the meatballs release easily when they’re browned. A properly preheated broiler will give your Christmas meatballs a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
After the meat mixture has chilled, take it out of the fridge. With clean hands, portion the mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs, each about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
Step 4: Broil the Meatballs
Place the baking sheets under the broiler and cook the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and slightly firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside as you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and the remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth and well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce will perfectly complement your delicious Christmas meatballs.
Step 6: Slow Cooker Method
Transfer the broiled meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce over them. Set the slow cooker on HIGH and let it cook for about 1 hour. The meatballs will absorb all the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and mouthwatering. If you prefer a hands-off approach for your holiday gathering, this method is perfect.
Step 7: Dutch Oven Method
Alternatively, for a classic method, add the sauce to a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Stir in the broiled meatballs and cover. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together while ensuring the meatballs are heated through. This method will give you a rich, comforting dish perfect for holiday feasting.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Meatballs
Fridge: Store cooked and cooled Christmas meatballs in an airtight container with sauce for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the broiled meatballs (plain or with sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to airtight containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or slow cooker until heated through. This preserves their tender, flavorful profile.
Make-Ahead: Prepare meatballs ahead of time, cool them completely, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the sauce. Easy holiday planning!
What to Serve with Christmas Meatballs?
There's nothing quite like a hearty meal that warms both the heart and the home during the holiday season.
-
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, these potatoes provide a wonderful base to soak up the sweet and savory sauce of the meatballs.
-
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and earthy flavor will balance the richness of the meatballs, creating a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
-
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy and sweet side that beautifully complements the flavors of the Christmas meatballs, adding a refreshing pop of color to your plate.
-
Fresh Green Salad: Toss together crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and vibrant side that cuts through the richness of the main dish.
-
Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce, making each bite feel like a comforting hug.
-
Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced drink enhances the festive atmosphere and pairs beautifully with the savory flavors on your plate, making it an ideal holiday beverage.
-
Pumpkin Pie: The sweet and spiced filling of this classic dessert brings a satisfying end to the meal, echoing the comforting flavors found in the Christmas meatballs.
-
Stuffing: Hearty and savory, stuffing adds a cherished holiday touch, complementing the meatballs while delivering its own burst of flavor on the plate.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Meatballs are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to save valuable time during the festive season! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before broiling. Additionally, the formed meatballs can be broiled, cooled, and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the sauce. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat in the slow cooker with the sauce on HIGH for about 1 hour, or in a Dutch oven on medium-low heat until heated through. This way, your Christmas Meatballs will be just as delicious, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
Expert Tips for Christmas Meatballs
-
Chill for Success: Allow the meat mixture to chill for at least an hour; this helps the meatballs maintain their shape while cooking.
-
Watch the Broiling: Keep a close eye on the meatballs while broiling to prevent them from burning; they should only take 2-3 minutes per side.
-
Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider incorporating finely chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme into the meat mixture.
-
Sticky Situation: If the mixture feels too sticky when forming meatballs, lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier.
-
Flexible Sauce Options: You can experiment with different sweet wines if port isn't available; just choose one you enjoy drinking!
-
Batch Cooking: Make a double batch of these Christmas meatballs and freeze leftovers for quick holiday appetizers later on.
Christmas Meatballs Variations & Substitutions
Embrace the spirit of creativity as you make these Christmas Meatballs your own with delightful twists!
- Gourmet Twist: Add minced garlic or chopped shallots for a savory depth that brings a new layer of flavor to the mix.
- Spicy Kick: Blend in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or minced jalapeño for a zesty touch that excites the palate.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free for a safe option.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to elevate the aroma, creating a more festive flavor profile.
- Sweet & Tangy: Replace some of the ketchup with apple cider vinegar or barbecue sauce for an unexpected sweet-tart zing.
- Texture Variation: For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the meat mixture. They provide a lovely bite alongside the meat!
- Cranberry Boost: Fold in a handful of diced dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and a pop of color; it’s like adding a holiday decoration to your meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils or chickpeas and use a bind of oats and mashed potatoes for a delicious meatless version.
Feel free to explore these variations that not only make each batch unique but also cater to your preferences. For a cozy gathering, consider serving these alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring your festive table is brimming with warmth and love.
Christmas Meatballs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ground beef for meatballs?
I recommend using ground beef chuck as it has a good balance of meat and fat, ensuring your Christmas meatballs are juicy and flavorful. When selecting, look for beef that is bright red, with a good amount of marbling, which helps enhance the flavor during cooking.
What is the best way to store leftover Christmas meatballs?
Store your cooked and cooled Christmas meatballs in an airtight container with sauce for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh and avoid them drying out, ensure the container is tightly sealed.
Can I freeze Christmas meatballs for later? How do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, broil the meatballs, then let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
What should I do if my meatball mixture feels too wet?
If your mixture is too wet to hold its shape, you can add a bit more dry breadcrumbs or even a little more evapoated milk to help bind it together. If you find it too sticky when shaping, lightly wet your hands with water before rolling, making it easier to form perfectly round meatballs.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for Christmas meatballs?
Definitely! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef. Additionally, check the onion soup mix for gluten or allergens. If there are concerns about cranberries, they can be omitted without compromising the flavor, or you could use dried cranberries for a sweeter and softer texture.
Delicious Christmas Meatballs for Festive Cheer
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- medium saucepan
- Slow Cooker
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef chuck A juicy choice
- ½ cup evaporated milk Adds creaminess
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs Acts as a binding agent
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Essential for umami flavor
- 1 packet onion soup mix Infuses a deep onion flavor
For the Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup Adds sweetness and tanginess
- ¼ cup brown sugar Enhances sweetness
- ½ cup port wine Rich addition; can substitute with sweet red wine
- 1 cup fresh cranberries Optional for garnish and extra flavor
Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, dry breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your broiler to high and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Portion the mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs, spacing them on the baking sheets.
- Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce, heating until smooth.
- Transfer meatballs to a slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
- Alternatively, add sauce to a Dutch oven with meatballs and simmer for 30-40 minutes on medium-low heat.
