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Cozy Freezer Meatballs Recipe for Easy Monthly Meal Prep at Home

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A comforting and convenient meatball recipe perfect for meal prep, freezer storage, and quick dinners. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork (can substitute with all beef or turkey)
  • 3/4 cup (about 90g) plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (30g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let soak for 5 minutes until breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Portion the mixture into roughly 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) meatballs using an ice cream scoop or spoon. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). No need to flip.
  6. Optional: For extra flavor, sear meatballs quickly in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil before baking.
  7. Cool meatballs completely on a wire rack or plate before freezing to prevent condensation.
  8. Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags to avoid sticking.
  9. Reheat frozen meatballs by simmering in sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes or baking in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes. No defrosting needed.

Notes

Soak breadcrumbs in milk to keep meatballs moist. Mix gently to avoid dense meatballs. Freeze meatballs individually before storing to prevent sticking. Optional skillet sear adds flavor and texture but is not required. Can substitute ground pork with turkey or all beef. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free version. Omit Parmesan and use dairy-free milk for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, freezer meal prep, easy dinner, comfort food, batch cooking, make ahead, ground beef, ground pork

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-freezer-meatballs-recipe-for-easy-monthly-meal-prep-at-home/