Amazing Homemade Christmas Eve Meatballs for New Year's Dinner
Introduction
Perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs with rich, savory flavors. These comforting meatballs bring families together around the dinner table, creating magical holiday memories with every bite! Ideal for Christmas Eve gatherings or New Year's dinner celebrations, this recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs every time. Simple to prepare and universally loved, this dish will become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning to sear all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, then return all meatballs to the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Keep Them Tender: Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture, which can make meatballs tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion meatballs for consistent cooking times.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare meatballs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook, or freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Sauce Boost: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the marinara sauce for deeper flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 26g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I substitute ground turkey for beef? A: Yes, ground turkey works well. For best results, use a mix of dark and white meat turkey to maintain moisture.
- Q: How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart? A: Ensure your meat mixture isn't too wet, chill shaped meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking, and avoid moving them excessively while browning.
- Q: Can I bake these instead of pan-frying? A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Q: What sides go well with these meatballs? A: Try mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.