Name: Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 pound Italian ground pork; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ 24-ounce jars pasta sauce; 1 to 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

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If you’re dreaming of a cozy, crowd-pleasing main dish for your holiday feast, this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe might just become your new go-to. I love how it combines the comforting flavors of homemade meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella in a way that feels festive but not fussy. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds.

What makes this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe truly special is how it balances hearty, savory meatballs with the bright freshness of basil and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a big Christmas gathering, it’s a dish you can prep ahead or tweak to fit your taste, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) reheat so beautifully. Let me walk you through all the tips and tricks so your Christmas meal is a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create tender meatballs bursting with Italian flavor, cozy pasta sauce, and that dreamy cheesy topping. When shopping, look for good-quality ground meats and fresh herbs for the best taste, and don’t skip the Parmesan—it really lifts the whole dish.

Lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty base without too much fat, keeping meatballs juicy yet not greasy.
Italian ground pork: Brings extra flavor and tenderness to the meatballs.
Italian breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and soak up moisture, so they stay soft.
Whole milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs.
Minced garlic: Essential for that signature Italian flavor punch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity without a fuss.
Onion powder: Adds subtle depth that’s easier than chopping fresh onions.
Dried parsley: Brings a touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
Parmesan cheese shredded: This sharp cheese is a must for authentic flavor inside and sprinkled on top.
Salt & pepper: Simple, essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Eggs lightly beaten: The natural binder that holds meatballs together beautifully.
Pasta sauce: Choose a good-quality marinara; it’s the base for smothering those meatballs.
Mozzarella cheese shredded: Melts perfectly for that irresistible golden crust on top.
Fresh basil finely chopped: Added right before serving for freshness and aroma.

Variations

One of the joys of this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tweaked this recipe for different occasions, and you should too—add what you love or adapt with what you have on hand.

Variation: I’ve swapped in ground turkey once for a lighter version, and it worked surprisingly well—just add an extra egg to keep things moist.
Spicy kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture gives it a little festive heat perfect for spice lovers.
Vegetarian option: Try substituting meatballs with large roasted mushrooms or eggplant slices layered the same way.
Cheese upgrades: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a creamier, more decadent melt.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by mixing your lean ground beef and Italian ground pork in a large bowl. Add the Italian breadcrumbs soaked in milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, shredded Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Crack in the lightly beaten eggs last. I like to use my hands (clean ones, of course!) to gently combine everything without overworking the meat, which helps keep your meatballs tender. Once it’s mixed, let it rest for about 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs and seasonings can meld beautifully.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. I find baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes works best—it’s less messy and helps the meatballs stay juicy. You want a nice golden color on the outside and cooked through inside. Avoid crowding the pan so they cook evenly. Once baked, set them aside while you get your sauce ready.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Meatball Parmesan

In a large baking dish, pour a thin layer of your pasta sauce on the bottom. Nestle the meatballs in so they’re partially covered, then top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly and a pinch of Italian seasoning over everything. Pop it in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Right before serving, scatter fresh chopped basil over the top for that bright finishing touch.

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

A close-up view of a black cast iron pan filled with six meatballs covered in rich, chunky red tomato sauce. Each meatball is topped with melted white cheese that has bubbly, golden brown spots, and small flecks of green herbs sprinkled over them. The sauce has an oily shine and some areas with darker, cooked edges. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some green basil leaves scattered nearby and pieces of sliced bread slightly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of extra Parmesan cheese. It adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish feel festive and vibrant. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for some brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or a creamy polenta also make fantastic companions to soak up all that delicious sauce. I sometimes roast seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus to round out the meal with a bit of earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special Christmas presentation, I like to serve this in individual mini baking dishes or ramekins. It feels personalized and elegant, plus it looks gorgeous with melted cheese bubbling just for each guest. Another fun option is to layer the meatballs and cheese in a bread bowl for a rustic, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container and find the flavors even deepen overnight. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This is a great recipe to freeze if you want to prepare early. I bake the meatballs, flash freeze them on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Sauce and meatballs freeze separately if possible. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, assemble, then reheat in the oven. It’s almost like fresh but saves you tons of time on busy holiday mornings.

Reheating

To get leftovers tasting as fresh as possible, I reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep the cheese melted but prevent drying out. About 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just watch the cheese doesn’t overcook and dry out.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time for this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe?

Absolutely! You can make and bake the meatballs a day or two in advance, store them in the fridge, and then assemble and bake the dish on Christmas Day. This really helps reduce holiday stress and keeps everything fresh.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs juicy in this recipe?

Using a mix of ground beef and pork, along with soaked breadcrumbs and a couple of eggs, helps keep the meatballs moist. Also, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, and baking rather than frying keeps juices sealed in.
Can I use a homemade pasta sauce for Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe?

Definitely! Homemade sauce adds a lovely personal touch and you control the flavors exactly. Just make sure it’s thick enough so your dish isn’t too watery.
What’s a good side to serve with Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe?

I recommend a crisp salad with a lemony vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or creamy polenta are also fantastic to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Can I freeze Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe?

Yes! Freezing cooked meatballs separately from the sauce works best. Assemble and bake after thawing for a quick and convenient dinner later on.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe holds a special place in my heart for holiday meals—it’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and just downright delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra warmth and joy to your Christmas table. Give yourself permission to customize it and make it your own; trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). Happy holidays and happy cooking!