Freezer Meatballs Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
Freezer Meatballs Recipe
Description
This recipe combines ground beef with finely diced or pureed onion, beaten eggs, grated parmesan cheese, plain bread crumbs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a mild heat. The ingredients are mixed thoroughly and formed into uniform meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
The meatballs can be baked fresh at 400°F for about 20 to 23 minutes until no longer pink in the center and allowed to rest briefly before serving. Alternatively, formed raw meatballs can be flash frozen on a lined baking sheet, then stored in a gallon-sized freezer bag for extended storage. They can be baked directly from frozen when needed.
These meatballs are suitable as a standalone entrée or later incorporated into sauces, soups, or pasta dishes. The tomato paste and herbs provide depth of flavor while the parmesan adds umami and moisture control.
Freezing raw meatballs before baking helps maintain shape and texture. Cooling baked meatballs thoroughly before freezing preserves quality. Removing air from freezer bags prevents freezer burn and maintains flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion finely diced or pureed
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs plain
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp basil dried
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, crushed
Instructions
- In a large bowl add in your 2 eggs and lightly beat them with a fork or whisk. Then add to bowl the 2 lbs ground beef, 1 diced or pureed onion, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp dried basil and your 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Mix to combine either using your hands or a strong mixing spoon.
- Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls and place on parchment lined rimmed baking sheet, spacing at least 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) apart.
MAKE IT NOW
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake meatballs in preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or no longer pink inside. Let cool 3-4 minutes, then serve.
MAKE IT A FREEZER MEAL
- Place baking sheet with raw meatballs into freezer and flash freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Transfer frozen meatballs to a labeled gallon sized freezer safe bag. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible. Place in freezer and freeze until ready to cook.
COOK FROM FROZEN
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs in preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes or no longer pink inside. Let cool 3-4 minutes, then serve.
COOK FIRST, THEN FREEZE & REHEAT
- If you'd like to cook them first and then freeze them, bake them at 400° for 20 minutes or until no longer pink inside, then allow to cool completely. Add to gallon freezer bag, seal bag and freeze. To quickly reheat just remove a 1-2 out of bag and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes and serve as desired. Or place in oven and bake until warmed through.
Notes
- Flash freeze raw shaped meatballs for about 1 hour on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to airtight freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible when sealing freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
- Let baked meatballs cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation and maintain texture.
- For immediate use, bake meatballs at 400°F for 20 to 23 minutes until cooked thoroughly.
- Reheat frozen meatballs by baking directly from frozen at the same temperature until hot throughout.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 127 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Meatball | |
| Calories | 127kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 201mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 146mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 65IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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