Freezer Meatballs (large batch recipe)

Updated: July 15, 2024 | 31 Comments

25.67

1.51

Whip up these delicious and easy-to-make Freezer Meatballs, perfect for meal planning, with 17 servings of flavorful goodness!

They cost about $25.67 to make, which works out to approximately $1.51 per serving.

This meatball recipe may only solve some of your problems, but it will definitely simplify your life! These meatballs are perfectly sized: big enough to require a fork but not too big to prevent you from enjoying more than one. The best part? This recipe yields a generous 17 servings, making it perfect for freezing.

Just pull them out on those extra-busy nights for quick and delicious meals like spaghetti and meatballs or meatball subs. With this convenient and tasty freezer meatball recipe, you can save time, enjoy great flavors, and make mealtime a breeze!

Table of Contents

What I Love About These Freezer Meatballs

Simple Preparation: Mix all ingredients in one bowl and roll into meatballs – easy and quick!
Batch Cooking: It makes 17 servings, which is ideal for meal prepping and freezing for future use.
Easy Baking: Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes – no frying involved.

Ingredients & Estimated Cost:

Recipe Cost: $25.67

Per Serving: $1.51

4 pounds lean ground beef – $21.32
2 cups diced yellow onion – $1.56
4 large eggs – $0.86
½ cup grated parmesan cheese – $0.88
2 teaspoons salt – $0.02
1 ½ cups plain bread crumbs – $0.64
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning – $0.21
2 teaspoons garlic powder – $0.08
2 teaspoons pepper – $0.10

The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed and will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. To learn more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in July 2024.

All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe and labeled with text overlay.

Equipment

large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
3-Tablespoon scoop
rimmed baking sheets
parchment paper
instant-read thermometer

How To Make Freezer Meatballs

Prep Baking Sheet and Mix Ingredients

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands.

The ground beef mixture combined in a mixing bowl.

Form the Meatballs

Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, roll the mixture into balls with your hands. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving ½ inch between each.
Bake for 20 minutes in a 400-degree oven or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

The meatballs on a sheet pan before and after being cooked.

Freeze

Let the cooked meatballs cool to room temperature, then place them in a gallon-sized freezer bag. The bag can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

Cooking Tips

After baking, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Once the meatballs are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, the meatballs won’t stick together, and you can easily take out just the amount you need for a quick and convenient meal!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or a combination. Adjust seasoning as needed.

How should I reheat the frozen meatballs?

If you are using the meatballs in a sauce, such as spaghetti and meatballs, add them to the pasta sauce and let them simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes.
To reheat the meatballs in the oven, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until heated.
To reheat in the microwave, place ten meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 2 minutes. Depending on your microwave, you may need to add additional time.

Can I make the meatballs smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size to your preference. Just to make sure you know, cooking times will vary. Smaller meatballs will cook faster, and larger ones will take longer.

What if I don’t have a 3-tablespoon scoop?

You can use any spoon or your hands to form the meatballs. Just try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. My favorite 3-tablespoon scoop can be found here.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Alternatively, you can cut one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Storage Tips

SERVE: They can be kept at room temperature for up to 90 minutes.

STORE: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled meatballs in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 4 months. To reheat, see our “How should I reheat the frozen meatballs?” section above.

Rows of cooked meatballs on a baking sheet.

Recipe Variations

For a healthier meatball, try using half ground turkey and half lean ground beef.

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