Freezer Meatballs with Garlic and Parmesan
In short: A big batch of beef and pork meatballs with garlic, parsley and Parmesan, baked on trays and frozen, ready to heat in sauce for quick dinners. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 2 h 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 430 kcal
A bag of cooked meatballs in the freezer is one of the best things you can do for a busy week. This recipe makes about forty-eight, using a mix of beef and pork for juiciness and a soaked crumb to keep them tender. They bake on trays instead of frying in batches, then freeze flat so they stay separate. Drop them into simmering sauce, tuck them in a sandwich or warm them in the oven for a party platter.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a very large bowl and leave for 5 minutes until the crumbs have absorbed the milk.
- Add the eggs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper and mix well. Add the beef and pork and mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into about 48 balls, each about 35 g (1 1/4 oz) and 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) wide. Place them on the trays about 2 cm (3/4 inch) apart.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, swapping the trays halfway, until the meatballs are browned and read at least 71°C (160°F) in the center.
- Cool the meatballs on the trays for 30 minutes. Freeze them on the trays for 2 hours until solid, then transfer to freezer bags, press out the air, label and store for up to 3 months.
- To serve, simmer frozen meatballs in sauce for 20 to 25 minutes, or reheat on a tray at 180°C (350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, until they reach 74°C (165°F) throughout.
Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for even meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to stop the mixture from sticking.
- To use from frozen in an air fryer, cook at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once, until hot throughout.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze the meatballs raw?
Yes. Freeze the shaped raw meatballs on a tray, then bag them. Cook from frozen in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 25 minutes, checking that they reach 71°C (160°F).
How long do cooked meatballs keep in the freezer?
Up to 3 months in a sealed bag with the air pressed out. They keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use only beef or only turkey?
Yes. Keep at least 15 percent fat in beef, or add a spoonful of oil to turkey, so the meatballs stay moist.
How long does it take to make Freezer Meatballs with Garlic and Parmesan?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Freezer Meatballs with Garlic and Parmesan?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
