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Easy Freezer-Friendly Juicy Meatballs Recipe for Bulk Meal Prep Success

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These juicy meatballs are perfect for bulk meal prep, freezing well and delivering comforting, satisfying flavor with minimal fuss. Ideal for quick dinners, they are versatile and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (about 75g) – plain or Italian seasoned; for gluten-free use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk (80ml)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk in a large mixing bowl for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground beef, ground pork, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Mix gently with hands or a fork until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender.
  5. Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, yielding around 24 meatballs.
  6. Place meatballs on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning gently to brown all sides, about 5 minutes total. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Transfer browned meatballs to the lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C). Let cool completely before freezing if desired.
  9. To freeze, spread cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze individually for 1 hour, then transfer to freezer bags or containers.
  10. For immediate use, toss meatballs with sauce or serve as desired.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Soak breadcrumbs in milk to add moisture. Chill meatballs before cooking to help them hold their shape. Brown meatballs first to lock in juices before baking. Freeze in a single layer to prevent sticking. Use a food thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, freezer-friendly, bulk meal prep, easy dinner, juicy meatballs, ground beef, ground pork, make ahead, family meal

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-freezer-friendly-juicy-meatballs-recipe-for-bulk-meal-prep-success/