Making extra meatballs when you’re already rolling them is a great time-saver. After you prepare your favorite meatball mixture, shape the portions and freeze the extras for quick meals later. Frozen meatballs keep well, defrost easily, and can often be cooked directly from frozen for fast dinners.
Both uncooked and cooked meatballs freeze nicely. Uncooked meatballs can be frozen and later cooked from the freezer without thawing, which saves time. Cooked meatballs also freeze well; you can reheat them in sauce or gently warm them in the oven. With a few simple steps, you’ll have ready-to-use meatballs on hand for everything from pasta and subs to soups and appetizers.
- Tips
- How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
- How to Freeze Cooked Meatballs
- How to Defrost Frozen Meatballs
- How to Cook Frozen Meatballs
- Meatball Recipes
- More Tips For Freezing Foods
Tips
- Use a true freezer bag or a freezer-rated airtight container. These are thicker and less porous than regular storage bags and help prevent freezer burn.
- If you use a container, choose one that fits the meatballs snugly so there’s minimal air inside; less air means better quality over time.
- Label the bag or container with the type of meatballs and the date you froze them. Once frozen, different kinds of meatballs can look the same.
- If your freezer is too full for a full baking sheet, use smaller plates or trays that fit. The goal is to freeze the meatballs in a single layer first so they don’t stick together.
Kitchen Smarts
Partially freezing the meatballs in a single layer firms them up so they maintain their shape when packed together in a bag or container.
How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
- Prep the freezer and surface: Clear space in the freezer for a baking sheet or plates. Line the sheet or plates with parchment or lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Shape the meatballs: Prepare your meatball mixture and portion it into balls by hand or with a scoop. Place them in a single layer on the prepared sheet or plates. They can touch slightly but should not be stacked.
- Quick-freeze: Put the tray uncovered in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until the outsides are firm.
- Pack and store: Transfer the partially frozen meatballs into a freezer-proof zipper bag or container. Remove excess air, seal, and label with the type and freezing date. For best quality, use within a few months.
How to Freeze Cooked Meatballs
Let cooked meatballs cool completely before freezing. Stack them or arrange them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label the package and use within a few months for best flavor. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator or warm frozen meatballs gently in simmering sauce until heated through.
How to Defrost Frozen Meatballs
The safest way to thaw meatballs is overnight in the refrigerator. For best shape retention, place them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet and cover while thawing. Avoid leaving meatballs at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Kitchen Smarts
Never defrost meat at room temperature; refrigerate overnight instead to keep them safe.
How to Cook Frozen Meatballs
You can cook meatballs straight from the freezer. To simmer in sauce, add frozen meatballs to a pot of gently simmering sauce over medium-low heat and cook until heated through—usually 15 to 25 minutes depending on size. Stir gently and avoid vigorous stirring at the end to prevent them from breaking apart.
To bake from frozen, add about 15 minutes to the recipe’s baking time, and check that they’re cooked through before serving.
Meatball Recipes
Frozen meatballs are versatile and work with many recipes—from classic Italian and Swedish to spicy or chicken-based versions. Having frozen meatballs ready makes it easy to assemble pasta dishes, subs, soups, or appetizers in minutes.
Meatball Sub Sandwich
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
Equipment
- Baking sheet or plates
- Zipper-top freezer bag or freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- Prepared meatball mixture (your favorite recipe)
Instructions
- Clear space in the freezer for a baking sheet or plates. Line them with parchment or lightly oil them.
- Shape the meatballs and place them in a single layer on the sheet or plates.
- Freeze uncovered for about 20 minutes until the outsides are firm.
- Transfer the meatballs to a freezer-proof bag or container, remove excess air, label with the date and type, and return to the freezer.
Notes
To defrost, place the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight on a plate or baking sheet. To cook from frozen, simmer gently in sauce for 15–25 minutes depending on size, or add approximately 15 minutes to baking time if the recipe calls for oven cooking.
More Tips For Freezing Foods
- How to freeze leftover turkey
- How to freeze and defrost casseroles
- How to freeze asparagus
- Chili recipes for big-batch freezing