Name: Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 pound Italian ground pork; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ 24-oz jars pasta sauce; 1 – 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both comforting and festive, this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is going to steal the spotlight on your holiday table. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—perfect for gathering your loved ones around and enjoying hearty flavors together. I’ve made variations over the years, but this version really balances tender, juicy meatballs with a rich Parmesan twist that everyone asks for seconds of.

What I love most about this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is how it brings classic Italian warmth with just the right holiday cheer. It works beautifully as a main event that’s relatively simple but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this recipe is definitely worth trying if you want something festive, filling, and crowd-pleasing all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This combination of ingredients really brings out those traditional flavors of an Italian feast with every bite. Plus, the blend of beef and pork keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful, while the herbs and spices layer depth that makes every mouthful sing.

Lean ground beef: Provides hearty structure and richness without being too fatty.
Italian ground pork: Adds tenderness and juicy flavor to balance the beef.
Italian breadcrumbs: They help your meatballs hold their shape and soak up just the right amount of moisture.
Whole milk: Keeps the meatballs tender and adds richness to the mix.
Minced garlic: Essential for that warm, garlicky aroma that fills the kitchen.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Dried parsley: Brings freshness and color to the mix.
Parmesan cheese shredded: This is the star that adds a nutty, salty kick directly inside the meatballs.
Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
Eggs lightly beaten: The glue that keeps everything tender and together.
Pasta sauce: I use about 1½ jars of your favorite marinara to bathe the meatballs in savory goodness.
Mozzarella cheese shredded: Melts perfectly on top for that classic cheesy finish.
Fresh basil finely chopped: A little fresh herb goes a long way to brighten the whole dish just before serving.

Variations

I like to keep this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe pretty classic, but I love encouraging you to make it your own. Adding your personal twist can be as simple as swapping out cheeses or changing the meat ratios. Here’s a few variations I’ve tried and really enjoyed:

Variation: Using ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up—a bit leaner but still tasty with lots of herbs. I found adding extra Parmesan helps keep the flavor punch strong.
Variation: Spicy kick by mixing in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Perfect if your crowd loves a little heat during the holidays.
Variation: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for those with dietary needs. I’ve made these with almond flour crumbs and it worked beautifully.
Variation: Swap fresh mozzarella for smoked mozzarella for a subtle smokiness that pairs amazingly with the tomato sauce.

How to Make Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Gently

Start by combining your lean ground beef and Italian pork in a large bowl. Then add the Italian breadcrumbs soaked in whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, shredded Parmesan, salt, pepper, and lightly beaten eggs. The key here is to mix everything just until combined—overmixing can toughen your meatballs, and that’s the last thing you want for a Christmas dinner centerpiece.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Use your hands to roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, then brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step not only adds flavor but helps the meatballs hold together when baked later.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce and Bake

Once browned, transfer the meatballs into a baking dish and pour your pasta sauce over them, sprinkling an extra ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning on top for good measure. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through perfectly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Fresh Basil

Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Right before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for that burst of fresh, fragrant flavor.

How to Serve Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with six round meatballs covered in a thick, rich red tomato sauce. Each meatball is topped with melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly on the edges. The surface of the sauce shows oil glistening and small green herb pieces sprinkled across for garnish. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with some green chopped herbs and a few pieces of sliced bread visible near the top right corner. The colors are warm and inviting, with a mix of red, white, and green tones standing out vividly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing off this dish with a handful of fresh basil and a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top because, hey, cheese is life. It adds freshness and a beautiful touch of green that makes it even more inviting on the table.

Side Dishes

For sides, I pair this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe with garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness. I also love simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatballs.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this for a holiday party is in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. It makes each place setting feel special and also helps with portion control. Another idea is to serve meatball sliders, piling them onto small buns with mozzarella and basil for a casual, festive appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and these meatballs actually taste better the next day once the flavors have had more time to mingle. When refrigerated, they stay lovely for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep the sauce and cheese together to maintain that wonderful saucy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe works like a charm if you want to prep ahead—just freeze the meatballs cooked and sauced but without the fresh basil and mozzarella cheese. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the cheese and bake until melty and bubbly. I’ve found this is a great way to save time on busy holiday days.

Reheating

For reheating, bake them uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is fresh and gooey again—usually about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but baking really keeps that freshly made texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I make the Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For vegetarian or vegan versions, consider using plant-based ground meat substitutes or lentils and mushrooms instead of the beef and pork. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and mozzarella, and be sure to use a vegan-friendly marinara sauce. This way you can keep all the festive flavors while honoring dietary preferences.
What’s the best way to keep my meatballs tender and juicy?

The key is to mix gently without overworking the meat and soak the breadcrumbs in milk beforehand—it helps the mixture stay moist. Also, using a combination of beef and pork provides a nice fat balance that keeps the meatballs juicy.
Can I prepare this ahead of time for the holiday dinner?

Yes! You can form and brown the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Then on Christmas Day, just assemble with the sauce and cheese and bake. This method saves time and reduces stress on the big day.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Use eggs and soaked breadcrumbs as your binding agents and avoid mixing the meat too much. Browning the meatballs before baking also seals them so they hold their shape nicely.
What’s the best cheese to use for Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe?

Mozzarella is classic for melting over the top, while Parmesan inside the meatballs adds depth. Freshly shredded cheeses melt more evenly, so steer clear of pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents if you can.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Parmesan for Christmas Dinner Recipe is truly one of my favorite festive dishes because it brings everyone together with simple, comforting flavors that still feel special. I hope you give it a try this holiday season—you’ll enjoy the warm, cheesy, and herby goodness as much as my family always does. If you want a Christmas dish that’s both cozy and impressively delicious, this recipe is the one to make!