How to Freeze Homemade Meatballs

Freeze homemade meatballs to save time when preparing meals.

Making your own homemade meatballs at home can be time consuming. Instead of preparing meatballs each time you need them, you can make a large batch and freeze them. The meatballs can be frozen either cooked or raw, depending on your personal preference, but uncooked meatballs will be more moist when you thaw them. Once you preserve your meatballs in the freezer, you will always have them on hand to quickly create a meatball sandwich or to add to spaghetti.

Things You'll Need

• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheet
• Airtight container or freezer bag

Instructions

1. Place parchment paper on a large cookie sheet, then place a single layer of the homemade meatballs on the parchment paper. Don't allow the meatballs to touch each other, or they will freeze together.

2. Place the meatballs in the freezer for one to two hours. Remove the cookie sheet from the freezer once the meatballs are frozen.

3. Place the meatballs in airtight containers or freezer bags. For best results, separate the meatballs into portions that you will use. Label the containers or bags with the contents and the date.

4. Put the meatballs back into the freezer. The meatballs will have a shelf life of two to three months.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before you prepare them for the freezer.

• Always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before and after handling raw meat to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.

References

• All Recipes.com: Freezing Foods: A Real Time Saver
• Purdue University: Freezing Meat and Poultry
• Michigan State University: The Food Domain: FAQ: Food Preservation and Storage