This Easy Freezer Meatballs Recipe is budget-friendly, versatile, and tasty. Make it with ground turkey, beef, pork, chicken, lamb, or any combination. Prepare a large batch, freeze the extras, and you’ll always have a quick, no-fuss dinner ready.
Table of Contents
- Meatballs Make Dinner Easy
- Ingredients
- Easiest Meatball Recipe
- How to Freeze and Thaw Frozen Meatballs
- More Delicious Meatballs
- Easy Meatballs Recipe (and How to Freeze Them!)
Meatballs Make Dinner Easy
Meatballs are a weeknight lifesaver. This straightforward recipe provides a neutral, reliable base so you can customize flavors and pairings however you like.
Below you’ll find a simple no-frills meatball recipe plus clear instructions for freezing and reheating. The base version keeps seasoning light so the meatballs adapt well to sauces and different cuisines.
Use them in spaghetti, rice bowls, soups, sandwiches, or serve as appetizers. Try them with marinara, teriyaki, buffalo sauce, or a creamy casserole. You can also toss them into a slow cooker with your favorite sauce for an easy meal.
- Making and freezing meatballs saves money compared to store-bought frozen varieties.
- They’re a kid-friendly favorite.
- Making meatballs can be time-consuming—batching them saves work later.
- Freezing stores them conveniently for quick meals, snacks, or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (turkey, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, or a mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white onion, minced
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs (use gluten-free crumbs if needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Optional flavor boosters: fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint, dill), garlic or onion powder, paprika, curry powder or cumin, shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan), and extra minced onion.
Easiest Meatball Recipe
1. Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a large oven-safe baking sheet or casserole dish with non-stick spray or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly mixed—using your hands helps. Shape the mixture into about 24 evenly sized meatballs. A cookie scoop can help create uniform portions. If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them with a few drops of water.
3. Bake
Arrange meatballs in a single layer on the prepared sheet and bake 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground poultry or 160°F for ground beef (adjust to your preferred safe temperature based on meat type).
How to Freeze and Thaw Frozen Meatballs
You can freeze meatballs either before or after cooking. The instructions below describe freezing fully cooked meatballs, which many cooks prefer.
To freeze:
- Allow cooked meatballs to cool to room temperature after baking.
- Place them on a small tray or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced so they don’t touch.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Label with contents and date.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3–4 months for best quality.
To thaw and reheat:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- For quick thawing, place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm water (ensure no holes in the bag).
- You can also microwave in short intervals, turning often, until heated through.
- Cooking from frozen works well if simmered in sauce, added to soups, or heated in a crockpot—allow extra cooking time when starting from frozen.
More Delicious Meatballs
Greek Meatballs
Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole
Cranberry Meatballs
Lamb Meatballs Recipe
If you try this Easy Meatballs Recipe, please leave a comment and share how you served them — I love hearing feedback!
Easy Meatballs Recipe (and How to Freeze Them!)
Jessica Randhawa
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (or other ground meat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white onion, minced
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
How to Make Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated. Shape into about 24 even meatballs.
- Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
How to Freeze Meatballs
- Cool cooked meatballs to room temperature, then place on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until firm (at least 2 hours).
- Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, remove excess air, label with date, and store up to 3–4 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen by simmering in sauce, adding to soup, or microwaving in short intervals.
Notes
- Use any ground protein: turkey, chicken, beef, pork, sausage, or lamb.
- Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can freeze raw meatballs—USDA guidance indicates uncooked ground meat can be frozen for 3–4 months.
- Cooked meatballs maintain best quality for 3–4 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.