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As the holiday season approaches, the warmth and joy of gathering with loved ones become palpable in every home. Recipes that evoke nostalgia and comfort take center stage, reminding us of cherished family traditions and joyful celebrations. Among these treasured dishes, meatballs hold a special place in the heart of holiday cooking. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them a favorite at festive gatherings. Enter the "Holiday Onion-Kissed Meatballs," a delightful recipe that combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of tradition to create a dish that will leave everyone at your table feeling satisfied and happy.

Holiday Onion-Kissed Meatballs

Looking for healthy lunch ideas that are perfect for the whole family? These delicious, onion-kissed meatballs are not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making them an ideal family-friendly lunch option. From hearty meatball sandwiches to savory pasta dishes, the possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe from afterka! HealthyLunchIdeas FamilyFriendly Meatballs ComfortFood EasyRecipes HolidayCooking FoodieFun
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

    Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches (do not overcrowd) and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.

          Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Once all meatballs are browned, discard excess oil from the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

            Serve and Enjoy: Carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. These meatballs are perfect served with spaghetti, on a sub roll, or simply enjoyed as is!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4-6 servings