Description
These sweet and savory Christmas meatballs, made with ground beef, port wine, and a rich sauce, are just what you need for your next holiday party!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup port wine or other sweet red wine
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix. Stir until the mixture just comes together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Move the oven rack to the highest level, about 6 inches from the top. Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper.
- Portion the meat mixture into approximately 36 small meatballs. Place them on the lined baking sheet(s) with space between each meatball.
- Broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown. Turn the meatballs, then broil for another 2 minutes on the other side. Repeat if necessary for multiple trays. Remove from the oven.
- Dutch Oven Method: In the Dutch oven, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Add the broiled meatballs, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the meatballs reach 160°F and the sauce thickens.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, wine, and remaining Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer the broiled meatballs to a slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour until the meatballs reach 160°F and the sauce thickens.
- If using fresh cranberries, stir them in about 5 minutes before serving. Keep the Dutch oven covered on low or turn the slow cooker to LOW until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gently stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to portion the meatballs evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Prep Time: 60
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling, Dutch Oven, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: meatballs, Christmas, holiday recipe, beef, savory