Making extra meatballs when you’re already rolling them and freezing the extras is a smart time-saver. Once you’ve mixed your favorite meatball recipe, shape the portions and freeze enough for future meals—your future self will thank you.
Meatballs freeze well and thaw quickly. You can also cook uncooked, frozen meatballs straight from the freezer without defrosting, or freeze cooked meatballs and reheat them later with or without sauce. Both approaches make fast weeknight dinners effortless.
Freeze any style of meatballs: classic Italian, Buffalo chicken, jumbo meatballs for subs, Swedish, Japanese, or whatever you prefer.
- Tips
- How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
- How to Freeze Cooked Meatballs
- How to Defrost Frozen Meatballs
- How to Cook Frozen Meatballs
- Meatball Recipes
- How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs Recipe
- More Tips For Freezing Foods
Tips
- Use true freezer-grade bags or containers. Freezer bags are thicker and less porous than regular storage bags, which helps prevent freezer burn and keeps meatballs fresher longer.
- If you use a freezer-safe container, choose one that fits the meatballs snugly to minimize excess air and reduce the chance of freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the type of meatballs and the freezing date—frozen meatballs can look very similar.
- If your freezer can’t fit a full baking sheet, use smaller plates or pans that will fit. Place meatballs in a single layer on whatever shallow surface fits, freeze until mostly solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
Kitchen Smarts
Partially freezing (par-freezing) the meatballs on a single layer firms them up so they keep their shape and don’t squash together when stacked in a bag or container.
How to Freeze Uncooked Meatballs
- Prep the freezer and pan: Make room in the freezer for a baking sheet or plates for the quick-freeze step. Line the sheet or plates with parchment paper or lightly oil them so meatballs don’t stick.
- Shape the meatballs: Prepare your meatball mixture and portion it by hand or with a scoop. Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer on the prepared sheet or plates; they may touch lightly but should not be stacked.
- Quick-freeze the meatballs: Place the uncovered baking sheet or plates in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until the meatballs are firm on the outside.
- Package and freeze: Transfer the partially frozen meatballs to a freezer-proof zipper bag or a freezer-safe container. Squeeze out excess air if using a bag, then label it with the meatball type and the date. For quality, use within about four months for uncooked meatballs; many sources note 3–4 months as a guideline.
How to Freeze Cooked Meatballs
Cooled cooked meatballs can be stacked in a sturdy freezer-proof bag or container. Label with the contents and date. For best quality, use frozen cooked meatballs within three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or heat them straight from the freezer in a pot of simmering sauce until warmed through.
How to Defrost Frozen Meatballs
Thaw meatballs overnight in the refrigerator. To keep their shape, remove them from the bag and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, plate, or platter, cover well, and refrigerate until thawed. Do not thaw meatballs at room temperature, as that can allow bacterial growth.
Kitchen Smarts
Always defrost in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to reduce food-safety risks.
How to Cook Frozen Meatballs
You can cook meatballs right from frozen. To heat them in sauce, add frozen meatballs to a pot of gently simmering sauce over medium-low heat. Stir gently and occasionally until cooked through—about 15 to 25 minutes depending on size and quantity. Avoid vigorous stirring near the end to prevent them from falling apart.
To bake frozen meatballs, follow the original recipe’s baking instructions but allow an extra 15 minutes or so of baking time, checking for doneness with an instant-read thermometer or by cutting one open to ensure it’s cooked through.
Meatball Recipes
There are many meatball recipes to try. The freezing tips above work well for a wide range of styles, from Swedish and Japanese meatballs to savory jumbo or classic Italian meatballs.
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 container)
Ingredients
- Meatball mixture (your favorite recipe)
Instructions
- Clear space in the freezer for a baking sheet or plates for the quick-freeze step.
- Line the sheet or plates with parchment or lightly coat with oil.
- Shape meatballs and place them in a single layer on the prepared surface; do not stack.
- Freeze uncovered for about 20 minutes until firm on the outside.
- Transfer meatballs to a freezer-proof bag or container, label with contents and date, and freeze. For best quality, use within about four months for uncooked meatballs.
Notes
Cooking from frozen: Add frozen meatballs to simmering sauce and heat gently for 15–25 minutes until cooked through, stirring carefully. If baking, add about 15 extra minutes to the recipe baking time.
More Tips For Freezing Foods
- How to Freeze Leftover Turkey
- How to Freeze and Defrost Casseroles
- How to Freeze Asparagus
- Chili Recipes to Big Batch Cook and Freeze