Christmas Meatballs
Festive and flavorful Christmas meatballs feature savory ground beef, sweet cranberry and chili sauces, and tangy sauerkraut, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, Lipton onion soup, eggs, bread crumbs, and drained sauerkraut.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 1.5 hours.
- While the meatballs are baking, mix chili sauce, water from the chili sauce bottle, and cranberry sauce in a saucepan.
- Heat the sauce mixture until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. You can also substitute the sauerkraut with finely chopped spinach for a different twist. Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas meatballs make a festive main dish and pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside a side of Rhonda'S Yeast Rolls to soak up the sauce. You can also offer a selection of holiday appetizers or a cheese platter for a celebratory spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Meatballs contains roughly 413 calories, with 11g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance, form them, and refrigerate them before baking. Just ensure they are covered well to prevent drying out. You can bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground chuck with a mix of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and finely diced vegetables. Use vegetable broth in place of the chili sauce and adjust the spices to complement the flavors.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's delicious as a topping for sandwiches, mixed into pasta, or even drizzled over baked chicken. Consider using it as a flavorful dip for appetizers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).