Freezer Meatballs are easy to make, SO good, and extra convenient for busy weeknights!
Looking for more freezer-friendly meals? Try these Easy Beef Pasties and Slow Cooker Tri-tip Sandwiches!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love every recipe I post here (well, except these Samoa Cupcakes–shredded coconut is gross, y’all 😉 ), but sometimes I work on a recipe, and I get a little extra obsessed with it. These Freezer Meatballs are one of those.
They are sooooooo good!!!
Meatballs are kind of the perfect food for freezing because making them is just time-consuming enough that it makes sense to make a big batch of them at once rather than lots of little batches, and because since they are nice and moist, they freeze and reheat beautifully. Plus they are incredibly versatile so you can use them in tons of different meals and not get sick of them.
I don’t eat a ton of red meat, especially ground beef, but the last couple weeks, while I’ve been testing this recipe, it has been meatball central around here, and I couldn’t have been happier.
This recipe will make about 32 meatballs. You fully cook them, freeze them, and then any time you feel like spaghetti and meatballs, instead of having to make an entire meatball batch, you just pull a handful of these out of the freezer, reheat, and enjoy.
Aside from being super convenient, my favorite thing about these freezer meatballs is that they taste AMAZING. My recipe uses half ground beef and half sausage, so they are extra flavorful. They’re fabulous with spaghetti and red sauce, in meatball sandwiches (recipe coming soon!), or just as a snack when you need a little protein.
What’s your favorite way to eat meatballs?
Freezer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/2 large onion grated
- 1/3 cup skim milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup (2oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning *
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes omit for less heat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage * hot or mild, casings removed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, combine first 11 ingredients (everything except the meats) and stir until well combined. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add ground beef and sausage and use your hands to mix well. Form 1 1/2-inch/ 1.5-ounce meatballs and place on baking sheets, 16 to a sheet for 32 total. Bake meatballs for 10 minutes, swap top and bottom trays (if baking both at the same time) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until meatballs are no longer pink inside/have an internal temperature of 165°. Serve and enjoy or freeze.
Notes
- In Sauce Simmer in sauce for 15 to 25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave (best for just a few meatballs) Place meatballs in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a couple layers of damp paper towels. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the meatballs every minute or so.
- In the Oven Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatballs in a single layer, 1/2-inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.
Jane says
Hands down, the best ever. The marina was so amazing, my hubby ditched his tried and true for this new garlic heavy version. Thank you!
Tracy says
This makes me so happy to hear!! Thank you!
Mike says
Would you consider 4 meatballs a serving size? Thanks
Tracy says
Hi, Mike. I’d consider four meatballs a good serving size.
teachermrw says
Hi, Tracy! Can I use whole milk for the meatballs?
Tracy says
That should work just fine. Hope you enjoy them!
Sandy says
Thank-you so much for this recipe! I doubled it to freeze for later and made them last night and my husband and I loved them.
Tracy says
Thanks, Sandy! So glad you guys enjoyed them!
Fauzia Iqbal says
Hi, what would you recommend to substitute for sausage if you don’t eat pork? I love meatballs too and have been searching for the perfect recipe – as well as for marinara! Thanks!
Tracy says
You could use veal or more hamburger. I would probably up the salt and spice a little too since sausage adds quite a bit of both. Hope you enjoy them!
Billie says
Would panko crumbs work instead of regular bread crumbs? My husband bought an enormous box of panko at Costco and I’m trying to figure out how to use it up.
Thank you!
Tracy says
I’ve never tried it with this recipe, but it should work just fine. Please report back if you do try!
Tom says
I’m happy to report that this recipe works just fine with panko crumbs.
Tracy says
Oh good! Thanks for reporting back, Tom!
DeeAnn says
Are the bread crumbs fresh or dried?
Tracy says
Hi, DeeAnn, it’s dried bread crumbs like the ones you can buy at the grocery store.