Make Ahead Freezer Meatballs Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD MEATBALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls, about 12 dozen. , Place meatballs on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes or until no longer pink, turning often; drain. Cool. , Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatballs in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Reheat on a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until heated through.,

MAKE-AHEAD FREEZER MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except beef.
• Mix in beef well, and shape into meatballs.
• Place all on single layer in pan.
• Bake 20 minutes at 350.
• Remove and drain on paper towels, and let cool 15 minutes.
• Put in freezer bag or freezer container or use immediately.

FREEZER-FRIENDLY SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add frozen meatballs, broth, condensed soup, mushrooms, onion, steak sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
• Cook until heated through and vegetables are tender, on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours, mixing in sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

GREEK MEATBALLS WITH GREEN BEANS AND TOMATOES (MAKE-AHEAD FREEZER MEAL)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together onion, feta cheese, bread crumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Add turkey, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.
• Use wet hands to form mixture into twenty 1 ½- to 2-inch meatballs. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until browned and slightly firm, 10 to 12 minutes; meatballs will not be fully cooked at this point. Let meatballs cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Combine cooled meatballs and green beans in a large, resealable freezer bag. Tightly seal the bag, allowing as much air to escape as possible. Freeze for up to one month.
• When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Empty frozen meatballs and beans onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Add cherry tomatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Bake in the preheated 425 degree F (220 degree C) oven until veggies are tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and salt for tzatziki sauce.
• Serve meatballs and veggies with pita rounds and tzatziki sauce.

MAKE-AHEAD ITALIAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F.
• Mix ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into thirty 1-inch balls. Place in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.
• Bake uncovered about 15 minutes or until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. (To serve immediately, continue as directed in step 5--except decrease simmer time to 15 minutes.)
• Place meatballs on ungreased cookie sheet. Freeze uncovered about 20 minutes or until firm. Place partially frozen meatballs in heavy plastic bag or freezer container. Seal, label and freeze no longer than 3 months.
• About 25 minutes before serving, mix chili sauce, water, pasta sauce and mustard in 2-quart saucepan. Add meatballs. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or until meatballs are hot.