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Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

These Savory Christmas Eve Meatballs combine a hearty blend of ground beef and pork with Italian herbs and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy holiday feast, they deliver comforting flavors and are easily customizable with leaner meat options or gluten-free ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter dish)
  • 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken for a leaner option)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or gluten-free as needed)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (roasted garlic for milder flavor)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or fresh basil for variation)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Optional Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup extra Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until well combined but do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and set aside on a tray.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • For a leaner dish, substitute ground turkey for beef and ground chicken for pork.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Roasted garlic can be used instead of raw to mellow the garlic flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
  • Leftover meatballs and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months.
  • Serve with your favorite pasta or on a sub roll for meatball sandwiches.

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, holiday feast, Italian meatballs, tomato sauce, savory meatballs, ground beef and pork, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/savory-christmas-eve-meatballs-with-tomato-sauce-and-fresh-basil-recipe/