Absolute Best Holiday Meatballs Crock Pot or Not

Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, the "Absolute Best Holiday Meatballs Crock Pot or Not" recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser that will become your go-to for special occasions. These irresistibly tender meatballs are made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, enhanced by Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic. Whether slow-cooked in a crock pot for melt-in-your-mouth texture or baked to golden perfection, they’re coated in a tangy-sweet glaze featuring ketchup, chili sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. Ready in just 20 minutes of hands-on prep, this recipe is ideal for appetizers or served over pasta or rice for a hearty meal. Perfectly adaptable, these savory meatballs are guaranteed to shine at your holiday table or as an effortless comfort food year-round!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20)
• 1 lb Ground pork
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 1 medium-sized Small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 cup Ketchup
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup Chili sauce
• 0.25 cup Water (optional for thinning sauce)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients gently by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3

Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

To sear the meatballs for extra flavor (optional), heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil and brown the meatballs for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.

Step 5

If using a crock pot: Transfer the raw or browned meatballs to the slow cooker. If baking instead: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili sauce to make the tangy-sweet glaze. Add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Step 7

For the crock pot version: Pour the glaze over the meatballs in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 1.5 hours until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked.

Step 8

For the oven version: Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to a large saucepan. Pour the glaze over them, and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

Step 9

Serve warm as an appetizer or over cooked pasta or rice for a full meal. Enjoy your holiday feast!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1835.8 grams (1835.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3909

Total Fat 228.60g	293%
Saturated Fat 92.90g	465%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 1192mg	397%
Sodium 12462mg	542%
Total Carbohydrate 207.70g	76%
Dietary Fiber 10.20g	36%
Total Sugars 107.00g
Protein 258.20g	516%

Vitamin D 164IU	819%
Calcium 1441mg	111%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 1782mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.5%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 21.2%