Tired of takeout and craving a comforting, delicious meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then you're in the right place! This recipe for frozen meatballs, Italian style, is your new go-to for quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinners. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend, these meatballs are packed with authentic Italian taste and require minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from Nonnas kitchen, without the hours of prep!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are best)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Your favorite pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Forming the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Freezing the Meatballs (The Time-Saving Step!):
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid. This step is crucial for preventing the meatballs from sticking together during cooking.
Cooking the Meatballs:
- Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag for long-term storage. To cook, you can either bake, pan-fry, or simmer them.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
- Simmering: Gently simmer the meatballs in your favorite pasta sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve your delicious Italian-style meatballs over your favorite pasta, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side salad. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat mixture – gentle handling ensures tender meatballs.
- Freezing the meatballs before cooking prevents them from falling apart.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For extra flavor, marinate the meatballs in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add small cubes of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the center of each meatball before rolling.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Protein: Approximately 7-9g
- Fat: Approximately 6-8g
This frozen meatball recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy homemade Italian food on any night of the week. It's a great option for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a quick and healthy dinner ready. Enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade cooking with this easy and satisfying recipe!