Christmas Meatballs Recipe by InfoStarBase

Delight your holiday guests with our irresistible Christmas Meatballs recipe! These savory meatballs are not only full of delicious flavors but also simple to prepare, making them an excellent addition to your festive gatherings. With a perfect blend of ground meat, herbs, and spices, these meatballs simmer in a rich, tangy sauce that elevates your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these meatballs make a delightful appetizer or main dish, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef: This acts as the base for your meatballs, providing a rich flavor.
• 2 eggs: Used as a binder to help hold the meatballs together.
• 8 soda crackers: Soaked in warm water and squeezed dry to add moisture and texture.
• 1 grated onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatball mixture.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

For the Sauce:

• 1 bottle chili sauce: Gives a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the meatballs.
• 1 glass grape jelly: Adds sweetness, balancing the flavor profile.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Introduces a tangy brightness to the sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Begin by placing the ground beef, eggs, crushed soda crackers, grated onion, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients until well combined. The ground beef should be evenly coated with the other ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor in every bite. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

Form the Meatballs

Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape your meatballs. Roll the mixture into small balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for popping into your mouth as an appetizer or for serving as a main dish. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity, which gives a nice presentation on the serving platter.

Brown the Meatballs

Next, you can choose how you’d like to cook the meatballs. You can either brown them on all sides in a frying pan over medium heat, ensuring a crispy exterior, or bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are nicely browned. The browning process not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely texture. If baking, place them on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sumptuous sauce. In a slow cooker, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until everything is well integrated. The combination of chili sauce and grape jelly creates a sweet-and-sour glaze that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.

Add Meatballs to the Sauce

Once the meatballs are browned, add them to the slow cooker with the sauce. Gently stir to ensure each meatball is coated thoroughly in this flavorful concoction. This is where the magic happens—the sauce seeps into the meatballs, enhancing their taste while keeping them moist.

Keep Warm

Set the slow cooker to warm and let the meatballs heat through for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, providing a warming aroma that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer.

Final Touches

When you’re ready to serve, use toothpicks for easy grabbing and present these festive treats in a way that encourages mingling and sharing. These sweet-and-tangy meatballs are perfect for holiday parties or gatherings. They will undoubtedly be a conversation starter, with friends and family delighting in each bite.

Your holiday spread will shine with these Christmas Meatballs, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your festive celebrations. Enjoy the warmth, joy, and laughter they bring as everyone gathers around the table!