Holiday Meatballs

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Holiday Meatballs are savory, cheesy meatballs infused with sage and garlic, perfect for festive gatherings and served with barbecue sauce for a flavorful touch.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 pkg. instant oatmeal
  • 3 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 3/4 c. grated cheese
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. sage
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1 bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except barbecue sauce in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Shape mixture into meatballs of desired size.
  4. Fry the meatballs in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
  5. Serve the meatballs with barbecue sauce for dipping or coating.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and replace instant oatmeal with cooked quinoa for added texture. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding some Worcestershire sauce or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. For added moisture, include a splash of milk or broth in the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These holiday meatballs are perfect as a party appetizer or served over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal. Pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dish. For a fun twist, serve them on small skewers with toothpicks for easy eating, and complement with Texas Barbecue Sauce(Crock-Pot) for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist, or microwave them on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Meatballs contains roughly 699 calories, with 20g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2187mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

699 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.7g 39% DV
Total Fat 21.5g 28% DV
Carbs 110.6g 40% DV
Fiber 8.2g 29% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2187.2mg 95% DV
Potassium 1289mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 290.6mg 97% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 109.4mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 188.2mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 281.4mg 22% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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 and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. They can also be frozen uncooked; just shape them and arrange them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. You can serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sub sandwich with melted cheese. For a festive touch, consider sides like cranberry sauce or a creamy coleslaw to balance the flavors.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, cut one open; the meat should be no longer pink, and juices should run clear. This ensures they are safe to eat.

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).

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