If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your holiday feast, look no further than this Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe. The perfect harmony of savory ground pork and beef combined with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce makes these meatballs irresistibly flavorful. Each bite bursts with warmth and tradition, making it an ideal dish to bring together family and friends during the festive season.

Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet play essential roles in bringing out the rich flavor, tender texture, and aromatic charm of this Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe.

Ground pork (1 1/2 lbs.): Adds moistness and a subtle sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs.): Provides the hearty base and robust flavor needed for meatballs that satisfy.
Raw bacon, chopped (2 oz.): Offers smoky richness and a touch of crisp texture when blended with the meat.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender without falling apart.
Eggs (3): Act as a natural glue that holds all the ingredients together for perfect meatballs.
Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds creamy moisture, giving the meatballs a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Parsley (1/4 cup): Brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens the overall flavor.
Ground fennel (1 tsp.): Infuses a warm, slightly sweet anise flavor that elevates the taste profile.
Dried oregano (2 tsp.): Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the seasoning mix.
Salt (2 tsp.): Enhances every element’s natural taste and balances the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (pinch): For just a hint of gentle heat that awakens the palate.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz.): Creates a luscious, tangy tomato sauce that surrounds and soaks into the meatballs.
Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish: Adds a final touch of savory sharpness and fresh color.

How to Make Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and spraying a 12×9 baking pan with non-stick spray. This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and won’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Bacon, Breadcrumbs, and Parsley

Using a food processor, pulse the chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, and parsley together until combined. This step infuses the meatballs with smoky flavor from the bacon and fresh herbal notes from the parsley while ensuring the crumbs are evenly distributed, which gives a great meatball texture.

Step 3: Combine All Meatball Ingredients

If your food processor is big enough, add the ground pork, ground beef, eggs, ricotta cheese, fennel, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes directly and pulse lightly. If not, transfer your bacon mixture to a large bowl and incorporate the rest of the ingredients by hand. Mix everything thoroughly, but gently — overmixing can make the meatballs dense rather than tender.

Step 4: Form Large Meatballs

Shape the mixture into large, evenly sized meatballs. Using your hands to roll them ensures a rustic, homemade look. Large meatballs mean juicy centers and a nice contrast of textures when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes at 425°F. This initial high heat helps set the shape and starts the browning process, locking in flavors and juices.

Step 6: Add the Tomato Sauce and Slow Cook

After the half-hour, pour the crushed tomatoes over the meatballs, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue baking for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This slow cooking gently melds the flavors together, letting the tomatoes thicken while saturating the meatballs with their rich sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top. These final touches add a salty, nutty flavor and a bright visual appeal to complete the dish.

How to Serve Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

The Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top melts slightly to create a savory crust that contrasts wonderfully against the tender meatballs. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green that brightens the plate, balancing the deep tomato sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve your Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious tomato sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables bring a fresh counterpoint, rounding out the holiday meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these meatballs family-style in a large baking dish straight from the oven, encouraging everyone to dig in and share. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter with toothpicks for a fun appetizer or party snack. Garnish with extra herbs and cheese for an inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, transfer any remaining Christmas Eve Meatballs to an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to three days, making them a perfect next-day treat or a grab-and-go lunch option.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooked meatballs in their sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Carefully portion them out to thaw just what you need later. They maintain flavor and texture for up to three months, so you can enjoy a taste of the holidays any time.

Reheating

Reheat thawed meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a covered dish in the oven to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. This ensures the meatballs stay juicy and as delicious as the first time you served them.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs smaller than large ones?

Absolutely! Making smaller meatballs will reduce the baking time, so just adjust accordingly. Smaller meatballs also make great appetizers or party snacks if you want individual servings.

Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute?

While pork and beef provide the ideal flavor and fat content for this recipe, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just note that the meatballs may be less rich and require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese, cottage cheese, or even Greek yogurt for moisture and creaminess, but ricotta gives the best balance of mild flavor and texture in this Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe completely in advance?

Yes! You can form the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, then bake and sauce them fresh on Christmas Eve. This saves time on the big day and lets the flavors develop even more.

How spicy is this recipe?

The pinch of red pepper flakes adds only a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, but you can adjust the amount (or omit it) depending on your preference for heat.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eve Meatballs Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings comfort, joy, and nostalgic holiday flavors to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these meatballs create a warm, festive atmosphere with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own holiday tradition!