Easy Christmas Meatballs

The smell of simmering spices, especially cinnamon and cloves, always transports me back to Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house. She made the most incredible sweet and savory Christmas meatballs, a recipe passed down for generations. Every year, the kids would hover around the slow cooker, sneaking tastes until dinner was finally served. I’ve made these Christmas meatballs dozens of times in my own Texas kitchen, and they’re always a hit. I promise you, this recipe will bring that same cozy holiday magic to your table!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I need recipes that are delicious and manageable, especially during the holiday rush. These Christmas meatballs are perfect because they are:

• Quick to prepare: The meatballs come together in minutes.
• Kid-approved: The sweet and savory flavor is a winner with even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can make the meatballs a day or two in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup grape jelly
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef and Pork: I like to use a combination of ground beef and pork for the best flavor and texture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs work best. If you only have seasoned breadcrumbs, omit the salt from the meatball mixture.

Jellied Cranberry Sauce: This adds a festive touch and a lovely sweetness to the sauce. Whole berry cranberry sauce can be used, but be sure to chop the berries into smaller pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they are all uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them through at this point, just get a nice color on them. Set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Stir in the chili sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the cranberry sauce and grape jelly are melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs

Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they become. After testing this several times, I learned that a longer simmer really lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Make sure to stir gently so the meatballs don’t fall apart.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Christmas meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They are delicious as an appetizer or as a main course served over rice or mashed potatoes.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing will result in tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
• Use a cookie scoop: This helps ensure that all the meatballs are the same size, so they cook evenly.
• Brown the meatballs in batches: Overcrowding the skillet will cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
• Simmer for at least an hour: The longer the meatballs simmer in the sauce, the more flavorful they will be.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of grape jelly.
• Add a kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make it a freezer meal: Brown the meatballs, let them cool, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw completely before adding to the sauce and simmering.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover Christmas meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored separately.

Batch Prep: Double or triple the recipe to make a large batch of meatballs for holiday gatherings or to freeze for future meals.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. I’ve tested this with both store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs and homemade using gluten-free bread. Both work well.

Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk.

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Different Jelly: Try using other flavors of jelly, such as apricot or plum, for a different twist.

Slow Cooker: After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight!

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. A good internal temperature is 160°F. Make sure to test a few of the meatballs to ensure they are all cooked properly.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, and you may need to add a little more fat to the mixture to keep the meatballs moist.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover Christmas meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Are these meatballs kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavor is usually a hit with kids. If you’re concerned about the spice level, you can omit the cloves or reduce the amount of cinnamon.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, these meatballs freeze beautifully! After browning them, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw completely before adding to the sauce and simmering.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas meatballs are delicious served as an appetizer or as a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve over rice or mashed potatoes
• Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive touch

I like to serve them in a big bowl right in the middle of the table, family style. It just feels so warm and inviting!

I hope you give these Christmas meatballs a try! They’re a cherished family recipe that I know you’ll love. This recipe for Christmas meatballs is truly special because it brings back so many memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know. And if you’re looking for more delicious family-friendly recipes, be sure to sign up for my newsletter at FamiliesRecipes.com!

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