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–+ servings
Christmas Meatballs

Christmas Meatballs: Sweet and Savory Holiday Bites

These Christmas Meatballs are sweet and savory bites perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Chuck Substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk Can't be substituted without affecting texture.
  • 1 cup Dry Breadcrumbs Can replace with crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Consider soy sauce as a substitute.
  • 1 packet Onion Soup Mix Can use a homemade seasoning blend of onion powder and garlic powder.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Ketchup No direct substitute, but BBQ sauce can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Honey or maple syrup can be alternate sweeteners.
  • 1/4 cup Port Wine or Sweet Red Wine Replace with grape juice or non-alcoholic wine if desired.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Optional, can substitute with pomegranate arils.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Slow Cooker
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef chuck with 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 packet of onion soup mix. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the top and preheat your broiler to high. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Shape the mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place each on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure spacing for even cooking.
  4. Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching closely for a crispy, browned exterior.
  5. Prepare the sauce by combining 1 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup of port wine in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
  6. Transfer the broiled meatballs to a slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or simmer in a Dutch oven for 30-40 minutes.
  7. Serve your Christmas meatballs warm, with toothpicks for easy eating or alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 16gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the meat mixture to chill for better texture. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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