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+ servings
Christmas Eve Meatballs

Irresistible Christmas Eve Meatballs in Hearty Tomato Sauce

Delicious Christmas Eve Meatballs infused with hearty tomato sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 pound Ground Pork can replace with more ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs using Italian-style breadcrumbs enhances flavor
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated yields better flavor
  • 2 large Eggs flax eggs can be a great vegan alternative
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano thyme can serve as a functional substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust based on personal preference
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper white pepper can be a milder alternative
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes optional for those who love a spicy kick
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil any neutral oil works as a substitute
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes can use fresh tomatoes for a seasonal twist
  • 14 ounces Diced Tomatoes can be replaced with more crushed tomatoes if needed
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste double up on crushed tomatoes if you don’t have it
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil oregano can serve as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar can be replaced with honey or omitted if preferred
For Serving
  • Fresh Basil for garnish; optional but recommended
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese for serving
  • Crusty Bread for sopping up the delicious sauce

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix gently using your hands until just combined.
  2. With your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in batches. Cook each meatball for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Transfer them to a plate once browned.
  4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and mix well before adding crushed and diced tomatoes.
  5. Sprinkle in dried basil and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes before adding the browned meatballs back into the skillet.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and basil, along with extra Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread, pasta, or polenta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 16gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep meatballs tender by mixing gently. Ensure meatballs are evenly sized and check for doneness at an internal temperature of 160°F.

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