Make-Ahead Baked Meatballs: A Flavorful and Convenient Meal Solution
Creating delicious and versatile meatballs can truly elevate a variety of dishes, from spaghetti to subs, and these make-ahead baked meatballs are a fantastic option for busy days. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a quick and tasty meal on hand. This recipe, credited to Ruth Andrewson from Taste of Home magazine, is a go-to for those looking to whip up something scrumptious in minimal time.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Make-Ahead Baked Meatballs |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Description | These are tasty and easy-to-make meatballs that can be used in many recipes. I especially like the suggestion for how to quickly form the meatballs. |
| Recipe Category | Meat |
| Keywords | European, High Protein, Kid Friendly, High In…, <30 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy |
| Aggregated Rating | 4 stars (based on 2 reviews) |
| Servings | Yields 3-4 batches |
| Calories | 1461.8 kcal (per batch) |
| Fat Content | 71 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 27.5 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 675.1 mg |
| Sodium Content | 3382.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 56 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 6.5 g |
| Protein Content | 139.2 g |
Ingredients
To create these delightful meatballs, gather the following ingredients, which are a harmonious blend of proteins and flavor enhancers:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Eggs |
| 2 | Onions (finely chopped) |
| ½ | Teaspoon Salt |
| 1 | Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce |
| 2 | Teaspoons White Pepper |
| 4 | Pounds Lean Ground Beef |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft your make-ahead baked meatballs, which not only taste great but are also perfect for meal prepping:
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, begin by cracking the eggs and beating them thoroughly until they are well combined. This step is essential for ensuring that the meatballs hold together nicely.
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Add Flavor: Next, introduce the finely chopped onions, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and white pepper to the beaten eggs. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly incorporated. This mixture forms the flavor base for your meatballs.
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Incorporate the Beef: Once your base is ready, add the lean ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, mix the beef into the egg and onion mixture until everything is combined well. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
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Shape the Mixture: Lightly pat the meat mixture into a rectangular shape about one inch thick on a clean surface or directly in the bowl. This method makes it easier to portion out the meatballs consistently.
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Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into squares of your desired size for the meatballs. After cutting, take each square and shape it into a ball using your hands. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
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Prepare for Baking: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on ungreased 15×10 inch baking pans. Make sure there’s some space between each meatball to allow for even cooking and browning.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once heated, place the baking pans in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center. For best results, turn the meatballs occasionally during baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
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Cooling and Storage: Once baked, you can either serve the meatballs immediately or allow them to cool. If you choose to store them, place the desired number of meatballs into freezer-safe containers. These meatballs can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient option for quick meals.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:
- Tossing them in marinara sauce for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dinner.
- Serving them on sub rolls topped with melted cheese for delicious meatball subs.
- Adding them to soups or stews for extra protein and flavor.
- Pairing them with barbecue sauce for a tasty appetizer.
Conclusion
With this make-ahead baked meatball recipe, you have the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of easy preparation, the ability to freeze, and their delicious flavor make them a staple in any home kitchen. Try these meatballs today, and discover how they can enhance your meals with minimal effort!
