Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs are the delightful concoction that will elevate any holiday gathering. These tender, juicy meatballs are packed with flavor and glisten with a sweet BBQ glaze, making them a festive favorite. Not only do they deliver on taste, but they are also incredibly simple to prepare, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with loved ones during the busy holiday season.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 18g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15g per serving
- Fat: 12g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugar: 3g per serving
- Sodium: 550mg per serving
Why Make This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
These meatballs embody everything you want in a holiday dish: they’re rich in flavor, superbly tender, and feature a touch of barbecue sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the beef. They are ideal as an appetizer, a hearty addition to a holiday buffet, or even as a cozy family dinner paired with mashed potatoes or pasta. Plus, they are guaranteed to impress guests, igniting the festive spirit with their delightful aroma wafting through the house.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
Creating these delicious meatballs is a breeze! Follow the simple steps below and watch as your kitchen fills with mouth-watering smells that signal the start of the holiday fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glaze)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your meatballs cook evenly and thoroughly.
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Step 2: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
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Step 3: Mixing
Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Step 4: Baking
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a lovely golden color.
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Step 5: Finishing with BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatballs generously with BBQ sauce to add a glossy finish and extra flavor.
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Step 6: Serving
Serve the meatballs warm and enjoy the festive flavors they bring to your holiday table!
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
These meatballs shine on their own, but you can also elevate them by serving them on toothpicks for easy snacking or over a bed of pasta with your favorite sauce. Garnish with more chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
How to Store Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Expert Tips for Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but a blend with a bit of fat will lend more flavor and moisture.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as suitable substitutes.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, serve the meatballs with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix for a bit of heat.
- Herbed Meatballs: Incorporate other fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a twist.
- Cheesy Meatballs: Stir in cubes of mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking them. -
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh side salad. You can also serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces. -
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option and will produce delicious results, just like in this recipe. -
How do I know when my meatballs are done?
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. -
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes, you can substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken, though you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take less time to cook.
Conclusion
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs are sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings. Their irresistible blend of flavors and tender texture make them not only a joy to eat but also a pleasure to prepare. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let the festivities unfold with these delightful meatballs stealing the show at every festive occasion. Enjoy and happy holidays!
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Christmas Meatballs
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightful beef meatballs glazed with BBQ sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatballs generously with BBQ sauce.
- Serve the meatballs warm and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider substituting breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
