These Christmas Meatballs are a festive, sweet, and savory dish perfect for holiday dinners, parties, or cozy family meals. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of cranberry juice make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you use a Dutch oven or a slow cooker, these meatballs come together effortlessly and are sure to bring holiday cheer to your table!
Why You Will Love Christmas Meatballs
These Christmas Meatballs are the ultimate holiday recipe for gatherings and special meals:
- Sweet and savory: The tangy ketchup sauce, sweet brown sugar, and hint of cranberry juice make the perfect festive combination.
- Easy to prepare: Choose between the Dutch oven or slow cooker method to suit your schedule.
- Holiday-friendly: Fresh cranberries (optional) add a pop of color and flavor, perfect for Christmas tables.
Ingredient Notes for Christmas Meatballs
Here’s a closer look at what you need to make these Christmas Meatballs:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef Chuck (3 pounds): Rich, juicy ground beef forms the base of tender, flavorful meatballs.
- Evaporated Milk (14 ounces): Adds moisture and richness to keep the meatballs soft.
- Dry Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Helps bind the meatball mixture together without making it heavy.
- Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): Brings umami depth and a slightly tangy flavor to the meatballs and sauce.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 packet): An easy shortcut for seasoning, with onions and savory herbs already included.
For the Sauce:
- Ketchup (2 cups): Creates the tangy, tomato-based sauce.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the sauce and balances the acidity of the ketchup.
- Cranberry Juice (½ cup): Adds a subtle fruity, tart note that complements the brown sugar and ketchup. (You can also use grape juice or apple cider.)
- Fresh Cranberries (1 cup, optional): Stirred in at the end, these add festive color and a tart burst of flavor.
Substitution Tip: If you don’t have cranberry juice, you can use grape juice or apple cider as a sweet alternative.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Dutch oven or slow cooker
- Medium saucepan (if using the slow cooker method)
- Small cookie scoop (for even meatballs)
How to Make Christmas Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Stir gently until the mixture just comes together—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Broil the Meatballs
- Adjust the oven rack to the highest position, about 6 inches from the top, and preheat the oven to broil.
- Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Portion the meat mixture into 36 small meatballs using a cookie scoop or your hands. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, until browned on one side. Turn the meatballs and broil for another 2 minutes to brown the other side. Remove from the oven.
3. Make the Sauce
Dutch Oven Method
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, cranberry juice (or grape juice/apple cider), and remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the broiled meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce thickens.
Slow Cooker Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, cranberry juice (or grape juice/apple cider), and remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the broiled meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour or LOW for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
4. Serve the Meatballs
- If using fresh cranberries, stir them into the sauce about 5 minutes before serving. This adds a festive touch and tart burst of flavor.
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Keep them in the Dutch oven on low heat or switch the slow cooker to WARM for serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These meatballs are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For parties, serve them with toothpicks for an easy appetizer.
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cool the meatballs completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the sauce on the stovetop or slow cooker before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter variation.
- Spicy kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Extra tang: Mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce for a slightly zesty flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Even Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to portion the meatballs evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance, then simmer or reheat them before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: Chill the meatball mixture before rolling to make shaping easier and to help the meatballs hold their form.
- Gordon Ramsay: Always brown the meatballs first to lock in flavor and give them a nice texture.
- Ree Drummond: Add fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, to the sauce for a beautiful finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, you can broil or heat pre-made frozen meatballs, then simmer them in the homemade sauce.
Q: Can I replace cranberry juice with something else?
A: Absolutely! Grape juice or apple cider works beautifully as a substitute for cranberry juice.
Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare and broil the meatballs a day ahead. Refrigerate them and reheat in the sauce before serving.
Q: How can I keep the meatballs warm for a party?
A: Keep the meatballs in a slow cooker on the WARM setting, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, these meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and festive flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty main dish or as a holiday appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. With their easy preparation and crowd-pleasing sauce, these meatballs will become a holiday tradition year after year. Enjoy, and happy holidays!
