Print

Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 146 reviews

Grandma’s Christmas Meatballs are a festive and flavorful holiday classic combining tender ground beef meatballs with a sweet and tangy port wine-infused ketchup sauce. Broiled to perfection and simmered until rich and saucy, these meatballs are perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners. The optional fresh cranberries add a vibrant burst of tartness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 3 pounds ground beef chuck
  • 1 (14-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet onion soup mix

Sauce

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup port wine or other sweet red wine
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (remaining from the 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Stir until the mixture just comes together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help the flavors meld and the mixture set.
  2. Preheat Oven for Broiling: Move the oven rack to the highest level, about 6 inches from the top heating element. Preheat your oven to broil. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Form Meatballs: Portion the meat mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs, spacing them evenly on the lined baking sheets to ensure even cooking and browning.
  4. Broil Meatballs: Place the trays in the oven and broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown. Turn each meatball over and broil for another 2 minutes on the other side. Repeat as necessary for multiple trays. Remove from oven once nicely browned.
  5. Make Sauce on Stovetop: For the Dutch oven method, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, port wine, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce in a Dutch oven. Simmer on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce (Dutch Oven): Add the broiled meatballs to the Dutch oven, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the meatballs reach 160°F internally and the sauce thickens.
  7. Alternate Slow Cooker Method – Prepare Sauce: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat, cooking for about 2 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce smooths.
  8. Simmer Meatballs in Slow Cooker: Transfer the broiled meatballs to the slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce over them, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour until meatballs are cooked through to 160°F and sauce thickens.
  9. Serve: If using fresh cranberries, stir them in about 5 minutes before serving to add a fresh tartness. Keep the Dutch oven covered on low heat or switch the slow cooker to LOW until ready to serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting meatballs as a festive holiday treat!

Notes

  • Meatballs can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before broiling.
  • Broiling ensures a nice browned exterior before simmering in sauce.
  • Port wine adds a unique sweetness and depth; substitute with another sweet red wine if unavailable.
  • Fresh cranberries are optional but add a festive color and tart flavor contrast.
  • Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs and verify the soup mix is gluten-free.

Keywords: Christmas meatballs, holiday meatballs, beef meatballs, Christmas appetizer, holiday appetizer, broiled meatballs, port wine meatballs

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/grandmas-christmas-meatballs-recipe/