Are you craving the comforting taste of homemade Italian meatballs but short on time? Look no further! This recipe shows you how to make a big batch of delicious frozen Italian meatballs, ready to be tossed into your favorite sauce for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. These meatballs are bursting with flavor, incredibly versatile, and perfect for meal prepping. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness, even on your busiest days! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families seeking healthy meals and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 2: Forming the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 3: Browning the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. If skipping this step, proceed directly to freezing.
Step 4: Freezing the Meatballs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the browned (or unbrowned) meatballs in a single layer on the baking sheet. Freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
Step 5: Storing the Frozen Meatballs
Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, these meatballs will last for up to 3 months.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs.
- Use a good quality ground meat: The flavor of your meatballs will depend heavily on the quality of the meat you use.
- Brown the meatballs (if time allows): Browning adds a delicious depth of flavor that you won't get if you skip this step.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will steam the meatballs instead of browning them properly. Work in batches if necessary.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Create a small indentation in each meatball before cooking and insert a small piece of mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per uncooked meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Protein: Approximately 7-8g
- Fat: Approximately 5-6g
These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking. Enjoy your delicious and convenient frozen Italian meatballs! They're a great addition to any pasta dish, soup, or even served as appetizers. These best recipes are a simple way to enjoy a taste of Italy anytime.