Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Flavorful: The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free holiday dish.
Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleaser that works great as an appetizer or main course.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and reheated for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Milk
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

Cranberry sauce (or grape jelly for a different twist)
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and simmer for 5 minutes.
Coat the Meatballs: Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or cranberries for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 (about 24 meatballs)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Slow Cooker Version: Place cooked meatballs in a slow cooker, add the sauce, and keep on low for 2-3 hours.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Cheesy Twist: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Just reheat them in the sauce before serving.

What can I serve with Christmas meatballs?

They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Just heat them in the sauce until warmed through.

What other sauces can I use?

BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a teriyaki glaze all work great.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding ingredients (breadcrumbs and egg) and don’t overmix the meat.

Can I make these meatballs without eggs?

Yes! Substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or use a little extra milk and breadcrumbs for binding.

What’s the best way to keep these warm for a party?

Use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep the meatballs hot and ready to serve.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes! Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they break down into a sauce.

How do I make these extra festive?

Garnish with fresh parsley, whole cranberries, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.

Conclusion

Christmas Meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer—savory, sweet, and packed with festive flavors. Whether served at a party or as a main course, these easy-to-make meatballs will quickly become a family tradition. Try them this holiday season and watch them disappear!