Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe
This classic Meatball Parmesan recipe is perfect for a festive Christmas dinner. Combining savory lean ground beef and Italian pork meatballs seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese, simmered in rich pasta sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil for a comforting and delicious holiday main dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 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
Sauce and Topping
- 1½ 24-ounce jars pasta sauce
- 1 to 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lightly beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter, to ensure uniform cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust but are not fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer in Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs into a large saucepan or deep skillet. Pour the pasta sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly, and cover. Simmer gently over low heat for 25-30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. After simmering, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce. Then scatter the finely chopped fresh basil on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the skillet or transfer the meatballs and sauce to an oven-safe dish. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a full Christmas dinner experience.
Notes
- For a juicier meatball, do not overmix the meat mixture.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Keywords: Meatball Parmesan, Christmas Dinner, Italian Meatballs, Holiday Recipe, Pasta Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese