Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking to add a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish to your holiday menu, this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara and ooey-gooey melted cheese—perfect for sharing around the table when everyone’s gathered for the holidays.

What makes this recipe special to me is how it balances simplicity with festive comfort. Whether it’s the main event or part of a larger spread, these meatballs bring warmth and joy to any Christmas celebration. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prep ahead, so you can spend more time with loved ones instead of the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor in this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe. From the combo of beef and pork to the Italian herbs, these basics come together beautifully to create classic, comforting meatballs.

• Lean ground beef: Adds a nice, hearty base with good flavor without too much fat.
• Italian ground pork: Mixes in richness and moisture so the meatballs stay tender.
• Italian breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them light.
• Whole milk: Soaks the breadcrumbs and adds extra moisture.
• Minced garlic: Gives a bold, savory punch.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives that signature Italian flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds depth without the texture of fresh onions.
• Dried parsley: A touch of freshness and color inside the meatballs.
• Parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds salty, nutty richness.
• Salt and pepper: Crucial for seasoning and bringing everything together.
• Eggs (lightly beaten): The binder that holds the meat mixture perfectly.
• Pasta sauce (24-oz jars): Thick, flavorful marinara to simmer the meatballs and top the dish.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melted over the top for that irresistible cheesy layer.
• Fresh basil (finely chopped): Sprinkled on top at the end for fresh aroma and color.

Variations

I love how flexible this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve swapped ingredients to match what I have or tweak flavors, and you can easily do the same. Feel free to make it your own!

• Variation: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist—just add a bit more seasoning and a splash of olive oil so the meatballs don’t dry out.
• Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap meatballs for large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices layered with sauce and cheese.
• Variation: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat—it really wakes up the flavors.
• Variation: Mix fresh herbs like oregano or thyme with the parsley for a brighter, herby profile.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining the ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, soaked in whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and lightly beaten eggs in a large bowl. I find using my hands here works best to evenly mix everything without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender. Once mixed, let the combination rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes—it helps the flavors blend and makes shaping the meatballs easier.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—about the size of a golf ball works great for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor through caramelization, plus it helps them hold together when simmering in the sauce. Don’t crowd the pan or they won’t brown properly; work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Next, pour the pasta sauce into a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet and stir in a little Italian seasoning. Nestle your browned meatballs into the sauce, cover with foil or a lid, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. This slow cooking lets the meatballs soak up the sauce, staying juicy and delicious.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Basil, Then Bake Again

Uncover the meatballs and sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top. Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for that fresh, fragrant touch that makes the dish feel festive.

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

Garnishes

I always top the finished meatball parmesan with fresh basil and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese for that final pop of flavor and color. Sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side works as a fun option too, especially if you have family who like a little kick.

Side Dishes

For Christmas dinner, I love pairing this with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is essential for mopping up that sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts round out the plate beautifully and add festive color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, I’ve served these meatballs layered in individual ramekins with sauce and cheese, baked until bubbly—perfect for individual servings at a Christmas dinner party. You can also arrange the meatballs on a large platter surrounded by fresh basil leaves and colorful roasted peppers to make a vibrant centerpiece dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store meatballs with the sauce to keep them moist and flavorful, which makes reheating a breeze and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these meatballs freeze beautifully—either cooked or uncooked. I cook and cool the meatballs fully with sauce, then place them in freezer-safe containers. They keep well for up to 3 months and are a lifesaver if you want to bake them fresh for Christmas but save the prep time.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I use a low oven setting or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting, festive, and crowd-pleasing. It brings everyone around the table, fills the house with amazing aromas, and tastes like a holiday hug on a plate. I really hope you give it a try this season—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and how much joy it brings to your Christmas dinner.

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