Name: Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs for Your Cozy Holiday Feast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter dish); 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken for a leaner option); 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or gluten-free for dietary needs); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano); 2 eggs; 3 cloves garlic, minced (roasted garlic for milder flavor); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or fresh basil); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 14.5 oz diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tbsp sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 1/2 cup extra Parmesan cheese; Crusty bread for serving

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (swap for ground turkey for a lighter dish)

1 lb ground pork (consider using ground chicken for a leaner option)

1 cup breadcrumbs (use Italian-style or gluten-free for dietary needs)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano can be a flavorful substitution)

2 eggs (acts as a binder)

3 cloves garlic, minced (roasted garlic can offer a milder flavor)

1/4 cup fresh parsley (swap with fresh basil for flavor variation)

1 tsp dried oregano (essential for classic Italian flavor)

1 tsp salt (enhances all flavors)

1/2 tsp black pepper (fundamental seasoning)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs)

1 medium onion (adds sweetness to the sauce)

28 oz crushed tomatoes (main base of the sauce)

14.5 oz diced tomatoes (adds texture)

2 tbsp tomato paste (intensifies flavor)

1 tsp dried basil (complements flavors)

1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity of tomatoes)

Optional Garnishes:

1/4 cup fresh basil (for garnish)
1/2 cup extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Crusty bread (perfect for soaking up sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 2: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, aiming for about 18 total. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have room to breathe.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes each, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic, cooking briefly before stirring in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Once cooked, garnish your meatballs with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve them with crusty bread, pasta, or polenta.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dish, substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken.

Using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic mellows the flavor and adds sweetness.

Swap parsley for fresh basil in the meatballs or as garnish for a different flavor profile.

Serve with creamy polenta or your favorite pasta to soak up the sauce.

If gluten-free, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush gluten-free crackers.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and brown the meatballs a day ahead, then store them in the refrigerator before simmering them in the sauce just before serving.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture; mix just until combined. Using eggs and breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs and keeps them firm during cooking.