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Christmas Meatballs Recipe

Sweet and Savory Christmas Meatballs Recipe for Festive Feasts

This Christmas Meatballs Recipe features tender meatballs in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for festive feasts and potlucks.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup evaporated milk Use whole milk if you don't have evaporated milk.
  • 1 cup dry breadcrumbs Opt for panko for a crunchier bite.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Can be replaced with soy sauce for umami.
  • 1 packet onion soup mix Substitute with onion powder and dried herbs if unavailable.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup Swap with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar Honey or maple syrup can serve as alternatives.
  • ¼ cup port wine Use any sweet red wine if needed.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries Optional; can be omitted or replaced with pomegranate arils.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Slow Cooker
  • Medium saucepan
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef chuck, evaporated milk, dry breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Blend until well combined and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat the broiler to high and adjust the oven rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Shape the chilled meat mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet without touching.
  4. Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
  6. Transfer the broiled meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the warm sauce over them. Set the cooker to HIGH for 1 hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 3meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for convenience. Chill the mixture for enhanced flavor and keep a close eye on broiling to prevent overcooking.

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