I have been so busy lately, it is ridiculous!
On a week like this, there is no way I want to come home and prepare a meal. To tell you the truth, I have been pretending that crackers and cheese was a balanced dinner idea. That and some of these cinnamon squares. I am slowly reverting back to my college day eating habits..
But then I remembered: didn’t I make some meatballs last week and freeze them? When I have meatballs in the freezer, cooking dinner is as easy as cooking the pasta. Nothing to it.
And they are so easy to make! I kid you not, this is the FIRST meatball recipe I have made in my life! As a complete novice at cooking anything other than chicken and…well…pasta, I can tell you that these meatballs are 100% fool proof.
And that is coming from the fool herself.
These meatballs are so cheesy and flavorful that I am considering making these a weekly thing. And now is the perfect time to make them.
Make these on the weekend for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or save it for Thanksgiving for those people out there who don’t like turkey (yes, they do exist. I am one of them!).
These meatballs are perfect over top of pasta, with some of this kale and quinoa salad on the side.
My days of eating crackers and cheese over the sink for dinner are OVER!
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!
Freezer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloved garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Set aside.
- Place all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix together with your hands until fully combined.
- Form into balls. I used this cookie scoop. Place on the prepared baking sheet, and place in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until they are brown. Remove from the oven, and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow to cool.
- Place in a freezer bag and try to remove as much air as possible. (I place a straw in the bag and close it until only the straw is sticking out of the small hole. Suck the air out. It now looks vacuum sealed!)
- When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator in the morning and they should be defrosted for dinner. Alternatively, you can throw the frozen meatballs into a sauce, and allow to simmer for around 20 minutes.
Congratulations on your first batch of meatballs! They look fabulous! They definitely make a better meal than cheese and crackers. 🙂
I love meatballs. Quick easy and so much better than cheese and crackers.
Tania| http://www.mykitchenstories.com.au
These meatballs look fantastic! Having a stockpile in the freezer is a great idea for when you need a quick, easy, yet tasty dinner.
So glad you found an awesome meatball recipe! I love anything that freezes well…having ready to heat and eat foods in the freezer is the best! We love meatballs in this house. The hot Italian sausage sounds great in there.
That's a great idea! So practical and easy.
Congratulations on making your first batch of meatballs! I'm also hooked to making my own meatballs, throwing in different herbs and spices and seasoning in each time… I love adding Parmesan cheese too, makes all the difference in the taste!
I love the idea of having a freezer full of meatballs and I love that you used a combo of ground beef andf sausage. So much flavor!
I love the idea of having a freezer full of meatballs and I love that you used a combo of ground beef andf sausage. So much flavor!
My husband eats lots of meat patties and would be thrilled if I make this for him with pasta.
Really tempting meat balls
Umm who DOESN'T want 24/7 access to homemade meatballs?! These freezer meatballs are genius, girlfriend! Meatballs all day every day!! Like WHOA! 🙂 Loves it! Cheers to a fabulous day! <3
What a great idea. I love homemade meatballs! They sound tasty.
These meatballs have everything I love in them and I’m totally drooling right now! They look fantastic!
Thanks so much Wanda 🙂
I so understand this! I’m a crackers and peanut butter girl but totally get the message about having a good meal prepared in the freezer.
So good!
Flavorful Meatballs I love the idea of freezing some and make life quick and easier. I want to just grab this Bowl.
SO much help on weeknight!!
Spaghetti and meatballs is total comfort food. We alway have some in the freezer for quick and easy meals too.
It’s the best!! Thanks Dannii 🙂
You knocked it out of the park with your first batch of meatballs, Catherine! These sound amazing – I love the sausage added in – adds so much flavor!
Agree! Thanks!!
How handy! Thanks for the great freezer meatball recipe!
Your welcome 🙂
Excellent. So perfect to make for my neighbor who just had a baby. Having these in the freezer will be just what she needs.
Yes it’s the best! Thanks Debra
My kids asked for seconds and thirds which never happens. Great recipe!
That makes me so happy to hear!! So glad your family liked it 🙂