Discover the secret to perfectly tender, incredibly flavorful Italian-style meatballs that are ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe isn’t just about making delicious meatballs; it’s about making your life easier. By preparing a large batch and freezing them, you’ll have a wholesome, homemade foundation for countless meals at your fingertips. Imagine quick spaghetti and meatballs, hearty meatball subs, or flavorful additions to soups and stews – all with minimal effort on demand. These meatballs boast a rich, savory profile, thanks to a thoughtful blend of lean ground beef, fresh aromatics, and classic Italian seasonings. They’re designed to be moist, hold their shape, and maintain their delicious taste whether served fresh or cooked from frozen. Get ready to transform your meal prep with this essential recipe!

• ▢ 2.5 lbs ground beef, lean (for a healthier, less greasy meatball)
• ▢ 1 onion, finely diced (adds moisture and essential flavor)
• ▢ 2 eggs (binds the ingredients together and adds richness)
• ▢ ¾ cup Italian style breadcrumbs (for texture and flavor, seasoned is best)
• ▢ ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated for superior taste)
• ▢ ½ tsp salt (adjust to your preference)
• ▢ 1 tsp oregano (a cornerstone of Italian flavor)
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder (for that essential garlic kick)
• ▢ ½ tsp pepper (freshly ground if possible)
• ▢ 2 tbs tomato paste (adds depth of flavor and moisture)
• ▢ 3 tbs milk (helps keep the meatballs incredibly moist and tender)

Preparation:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: lean ground beef, finely diced onion, eggs, Italian style breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, tomato paste, and milk.

  Tip: Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so aim to just combine everything until no dry spots remain.

• Using a small scoop or your hands, roll the meatball mixture into uniform, golf ball-sized meatballs. This recipe yields approximately 12 generous servings, or roughly 24-30 individual meatballs depending on size.

  Tip: For best results and even cooking, try to make all meatballs roughly the same size. Lightly dampen your hands with water if the mixture becomes too sticky.

To Cook Immediately (Make Them Now):

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to brown the meatballs nicely while keeping the inside tender.

• Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

  Once cooked, serve hot with your favorite pasta sauce, as a side dish, or in a delicious sub sandwich. Enjoy the fresh, homemade taste!

To Make Them Into A Freezer Meal (Meal Prep Option):

Freezing these meatballs is an excellent way to save time on future meals. Follow these steps for perfect freezer meatballs.

• Line a large baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Place the raw, rolled meatballs onto the lined sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This prevents them from sticking together during the initial freeze.

  Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are completely solid. This “flash freezing” step is crucial for preventing them from clumping together in the freezer bag.

• Once frozen solid, transfer the meatballs into a large, heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date and contents. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months for best quality.

  Pro Tip: Removing as much air as possible from the freezer bag will help prevent freezer burn and keep your meatballs fresh longer.

To Bake From Frozen:

Cooking your freezer meatballs is just as easy as cooking them fresh. No need to thaw!

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the desired amount of frozen meatballs on a baking sheet, again ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake for 27-33 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked through and heated to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

  Cooking from frozen will take slightly longer than fresh, so adjust baking time as needed. Once ready, these meatballs are perfect to add directly to simmering marinara sauce, serve with pasta, or create a quick meal. Enjoy the convenience of homemade freezer meatballs!

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