Holiday Lamb & Pork Meatballs: A Rich, Savory Classic for the Season

k engels

4 months ago

Cooked lamb and pork meatballs simmering in sauce and topped with herbs.

Tender, flavorful meatballs that shine at any holiday table — perfect as an appetizer, entrée, or make-ahead dish.

When the holidays roll around, we crave something rich, comforting, and universally loved. These lamb and pork meatballs check every box — elegant enough for a dinner party yet cozy enough for a midweek meal.

Why Combine Lamb and Pork

The combination of lamb and pork is a time-honored chef’s secret.

Lamb provides deep, earthy flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Pork contributes fat and tenderness, balancing lamb’s intensity.

The result is a juicy, flavorful meatball that’s perfectly textured — rich without being heavy, rustic yet refined.

Holiday Lamb & Pork Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb
1 lb ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix with your hands until just combined — don’t overwork.
Roll into 1½-inch balls and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides.
Transfer to a baking dish and finish in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or simmer directly in sauce until cooked through.

🍅 Serving Variations

Classic Italian: Serve in a tomato-basil sauce with pasta, polenta, or fresh bread.
Mediterranean Style: Top with lemon yogurt sauce, fresh mint, and pomegranate arils.
Holiday Party Bites: Skewer with rosemary sprigs and glaze with cranberry reduction or fig balsamic.
Comfort Supper: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of pan jus.

🥣 Sauce & Dip Pairings

Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Greek yogurt, lemon, dill, and garlic.
Cranberry-Balsamic Glaze: Tart meets sweet perfection.
Spicy Tomato Jam: Adds warmth and balance.
Tahini-Herb Sauce: Creamy, nutty, and elegant.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips

Keep your mix light — overmixing compacts the texture.
50/50 lamb to pork gives perfect balance and moisture.
Use parchment paper or silicone mat when baking for even results.
Make ahead and freeze before cooking for quick dinners later.

Holiday Hosting Tip

Serve these as cocktail meatballs with toothpicks and assorted dips — or create a full meal with pasta, roasted carrots, and a glass of red wine.
They’re endlessly versatile — the kind of dish that works across courses and occasions.