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Christmas Meatballs

Savory Christmas Meatballs That Steal the Holiday Show

Delicious Christmas Meatballs that combine sweet and savory flavors for the perfect holiday appetizer.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 36 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Chuck Can be swapped with ground turkey.
  • 0.5 cup Evaporated Milk Can use crème fraîche as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Dry Breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs will add lightness.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Essential for umami flavor.
  • 1 packet Onion Soup Mix Can substitute with a mixture of onion powder and beef bouillon.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Ketchup BBQ sauce can be used for a smokier flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a less refined alternative.
  • 0.5 cup Port Wine Grape juice can be used for a non-alcoholic version.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Optional, can be substituted with pomegranate arils.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Saucepan
  • Slow Cooker
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, evaporated milk, dry breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your broiler on high and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Shape the meat mixture into approximately 36 equal meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Broil meatballs for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and broil for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  5. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth.
  6. Transfer broiled meatballs to a slow cooker or Dutch oven and pour the sauce over them. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour or simmer for 30-40 minutes in a Dutch oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for convenience.

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