Craving holiday comfort? Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs blend tender meatballs with rich marinara! This Festive Meatball Dish is perfect for festive gatherings. Try this simple recipe for a savory comfort dish that warms the heart!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
- Nostalgic: Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs evoke holiday memories.
- Flavorful: Rich sauce in this festive meatball dish.
- Easy: Simple prep for this savory comfort dish.
- Versatile: Serve as a main or appetizer in this simple recipe.
- Cozy: Perfect holiday meatballs for winter nights.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need for this festive meatball dish (makes ~20 meatballs, serves 4):
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (10g) finely chopped parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Meat thermometer
Ingredient Tips
- Meat: Beef-pork blend for juicy holiday meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Bind this festive meatball dish’s texture.
- Parmesan: Adds savory depth to this savory comfort dish.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley for vibrant simple recipe flavor.
- Marinara: Use homemade for this festive meatball dish’s richness.
Directions for Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
Let’s create this festive meatball dish!
Preheat Oven
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for this savory comfort dish.
Mix Meatball Mixture
In a bowl, I combine 1 lb beef, 1 lb pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan, ¼ cup parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for this holiday meatballs’ flavor.
Shape Meatballs
I form ~20 one-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray for this Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs.
Bake Meatballs
I bake for 25–30 minutes until browned and 165°F (74°C) for this simple recipe.
Simmer in Sauce
I heat 24 oz marinara in a saucepan, add baked meatballs, and simmer 10–15 minutes for this festive meatball dish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4 (~5 meatballs each)
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat
Variations for Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
Try these twists for this festive meatball dish:
- Turkey: Use turkey for leaner holiday meatballs.
- Vegetarian: Try lentils for this savory comfort dish.
- Sweet-Sour: Swap marinara for sweet-sour sauce in this simple recipe.
- BBQ: Use barbecue sauce for smoky festive meatball dish.
- Creamy: Try creamy sauce for Swedish-style holiday meatballs.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ spaghetti for this savory comfort dish.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ garlic bread for this festive meatball dish.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ salad for this holiday meatballs.
Storage
- I store this festive meatball dish in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
- I freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then in bags for 3 months, cooking from frozen with extra time.
- I reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for this simple recipe.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs in a bowl with sauce for festive meatball dish appeal.
- Garnish: Add parsley for this savory comfort dish’s color.
- Pairing: Enjoy with Food and Tips’ mashed potatoes for this holiday meatballs.
- Portion Size: ~5 meatballs per serving for a hearty meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for holiday dinners, parties, or cozy nights.
FAQs About Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
Here are answers to common questions about this festive meatball dish:
Can I use different meat?
Yes, chicken or lamb works for this holiday meatballs’ flavor.
Can I skip breadcrumbs?
Use oats for this savory comfort dish’s binding.
How do I check doneness?
Use a thermometer; 165°F ensures safe festive meatball dish.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use lentils and flax eggs for this simple recipe.
What pairs well?
Pasta or salad complements this festive meatball dish.
Try More Quick Dinners
- Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Dinner Recipe
- Orange Chicken Fried Rice Bowl
- Crispy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Conclusion
Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs are a nostalgic, flavorful treat wrapped in rich marinara. This simple recipe delivers a festive meatball dish for holiday joy. Savor the warm, savory bite in every meatball!
Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 lb 450g ground pork
- 1 cup 120g breadcrumbs
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup 10g finely chopped parsley
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup 120ml milk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 24 oz 680g marinara sauce
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for this savory comfort dish.
Mix Meatball Mixture
- In a bowl, I combine 1 lb beef, 1 lb pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan, ¼ cup parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for this holiday meatballs’ flavor.
Shape Meatballs
- I form ~20 one-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray for this Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs.
Bake Meatballs
- I bake for 25–30 minutes until browned and 165°F (74°C) for this simple recipe.
Simmer in Sauce
- I heat 24 oz marinara in a saucepan, add baked meatballs, and simmer 10–15 minutes for this festive meatball dish.
Notes
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