All-Purpose Freezer Meatballs Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven, Freezer, Small Appliance
These All-Purpose Freezer Meatballs are a game-changer for meal prep and quick meals. They’re as versatile as they come—whether served in pasta, on subs, or with mashed potatoes, these little delights are perfect for busy days. This recipe blends various influences into a single easy, flavorful method for crafting meatballs that freeze beautifully, allowing you to have homemade goodness whenever you need it.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Yellow Onion | 1 |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Ground Ginger | 1 tsp |
| Ground Allspice | 1 tsp |
| Molasses | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 113.2 kcal |
| Fat | 6.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 38.8 mg |
| Sodium | 63.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 8.1 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meatball Mix
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ground ginger, ground allspice, salt, and egg. Stir them together until the mixture is uniform. These ingredients will give your meatballs an aromatic, flavorful base. -
Grind the Meat (Optional)
For the best texture, run the ground beef through the fine die on your food grinder. If you don’t have a grinder, no problem—just ask your butcher for fine-grind beef or run your beef through a grinder twice to ensure it’s finely minced. -
Prepare the Onion
Finely chop the yellow onion using a food processor to achieve a small, even texture. The finer the chop, the denser and more cohesive the meatballs will be. -
Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped onion and the breadcrumb mixture to the ground beef. Now, this is where the magic happens—mix everything together thoroughly by hand until fully combined. Aim for a dense, firm texture. -
Form the Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into balls no larger than the size of a ping-pong ball. This size ensures they cook evenly and quickly. -
Coat in Panko
Lightly roll each meatball in some additional panko breadcrumbs. This step gives the meatballs a slight crispness and helps prevent them from sticking together during freezing. If you didn’t already, place the breadcrumbs on a plate for easy access. -
Prepare for Baking
Arrange the meatballs on a grill rack (or a baking rack), ideally one with a fine enough grate to keep the meatballs from falling through. The rack ensures even heat circulation and a slightly crisp exterior. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps to brown the meatballs nicely on the outside while cooking them through without drying out. -
Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here to ensure that they’re cooked properly. -
Cool and Store
Allow the meatballs to cool completely. If you’re not using them right away, place the extra meatballs in a freezer bag for storage. The layer of panko breadcrumbs on the outside will help prevent them from sticking together, making it easier to grab just what you need. -
Reheat and Serve
To enjoy your meatballs, simply take them from the freezer and heat them in the microwave with some jarred pasta sauce, gravy, or your favorite sauce. You can serve them on a bun, with spaghetti, over rice, or even on mashed potatoes or hash browns—the options are endless. -
Enjoy!
These meatballs are a perfect meal-in-a-hurry! Whether you’re on your own or feeding a crowd, these freezer meatballs can save the day. Let us know if you come up with any other creative ways to use them!
Tips for Success:
- Grind the beef yourself if you can—it ensures you get the perfect texture.
- Adjust the seasonings (especially ginger and allspice) to your taste. You can add a bit more for a spicier kick!
- Freeze in portions so you can easily grab a few meatballs at a time. They’re perfect for quick meals like subs, pasta, or snacks.
These All-Purpose Freezer Meatballs are a kitchen staple that makes meal prepping and quick weeknight meals a breeze. They’re full of flavor, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile.
