platter of raw meatballs next to a gas stove where more meatballs are cooking, professional kitchen
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The Best Basic Meatball Recipe: Great for Freezing and Meal Prep

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When it comes to making meatballs, there’s no need to overcomplicate things—at least not with this basic meatball recipe.

While a quick search for meatball recipes will yield countless variations, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: a meatball is a meatball.

Yes, some recipes are better than others, and every cook seems to have their own version, but once you find a good, basic meatball recipe like this one, it can serve as the foundation for countless dishes.

basic meatballs piled in a wood dish and sprinkled with fresh herbs
meatballs frying in a cast iron skillet
meatballs with teriyaki sauce over rice in a black bowl with chopsticks
meatballs in marinara sauce, with basil leaves garnish, in a white serving dish

A Recipe That Has Been Well Tested

My grandma was a cook for years, working in various kitchens from roadside cafes to school lunchrooms, and this basic meatball recipe was one she used time and again. Whether she was making meatballs or forming hamburger patties, this was her go-to recipe, and she never had a single complaint.

With thousands of happy customers over the years, it’s safe to say that this recipe is a keeper, tried and true through decades of delicious meals.

Easy Ways to Customize the Basic Meatball Recipe

If you are feeling a little adventurous, feel free to play with this recipe a bit. It is very forgiving! You can easily tweak the mixture to suit your preferences or get creative. Here are some ideas:

  1. Spices & Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding different spices or herbs to the mix. Try garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme also add a burst of freshness.
  2. Cheese: Mix in some grated cheese for extra richness. Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can complement the meatball’s flavor beautifully.
  3. Breadcrumb Variations: While breadcrumbs are the standard, you can switch them up with seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor, or panko for a lighter texture.
  4. Milk Alternatives: While milk is the go-to, you can swap it out with cream or buttermilk for an even richer, creamier meatball texture, or replace it with water if you want a dairy-free version. Egg can be used as well.
  5. Vegetable Add-ins: Add finely chopped or grated vegetables like onions, carrots, or zucchini to the mixture. This not only sneaks in extra nutrition but also keeps the meatballs moist and tender. Note that the more vegetables you try to sneak in, the less likely the meatball is going to stick together nicely.

These simple customizations let you make this basic meatball recipe truly your own!

raw meatballs on parchment paper ready to be cooked

From Spaghetti to Stroganoff: This Basic Meatball Recipe Does It All!

Whether you’re craving meatballs in spaghetti sauce, sweet and sour sauce, stroganoff, or something else entirely, this recipe will have you covered.

The beauty of this basic meatball recipe is its versatility. And if you get this recipe down, you’ll never have to hunt for another one again. It’s simple, straightforward, and most importantly, delicious. Since spices are limited to salt and pepper, these meatballs will work seamlessly with any sauce without clashing of flavors.

As long as you’ve got the right meatball, the only thing you need to worry about is what kind of sauce you’re going to serve it with. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or planning a more elaborate meal, meatballs are always a good idea.

Another reason to love meatballs is how well they lend themselves to meal prep. If you’re the type of cook who likes to plan ahead, meatballs are a great option for batch cooking.

meatballs frying in a cast iron skillet

How To Freeze Meatballs

Once you’ve cooked your meatballs (without sauce), they freeze beautifully. Then, whenever you need them, just pull out as many as you need, heat them up with your favorite sauce, and you’ve got dinner on the table in no time.

Freezing Instructions:

  1. After cooking the meatballs, let them cool completely.
  2. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching.
  3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the meatballs are solid.
  4. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, and label it with the date.
  5. When you’re ready to use them, simply take what you need out of the bag, reheat them in the sauce of your choice, either in a skillet on the stove or in the oven. You don’t even need to thaw them first! Add them to your sauce, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes and it’s ready to eat.

This method makes busy weeknight dinners a breeze—just pull out a handful of meatballs and toss them into marinara sauce for an easy spaghetti night, or coat them in a sweet and sour glaze for a tangy, kid-approved dish.

You can even throw them into a creamy stroganoff sauce for a comforting, hearty meal. The possibilities are endless, and with this basic recipe, you’ll be ready for anything.

The Best Basic Meatball Recipe

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

Our basic meatball recipe makes baking meatballs easy and delicious, so you’ll have perfect results every time. Made with simple ingredients and full of flavor, these ground beef meatballs are a must-try for any meatball lover.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb lean ground beef

  • 1/2 c bread crumbs

  • 1/2 c milk

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Directions

  • Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and, using your hands or a fork, gently mix everything together until well combined.
  • Pinch off a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
  • Arrange the formed meatballs on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to transfer them.
  • Chill (Optional): For better shape retention during cooking, refrigerate the meatballs for 15-20 minutes.

  • Oven Cooking Instructions
    Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the meatballs on the sheet, spacing them about one inch apart.
  • Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • If using right away, transfer the meatballs to a pot of with the sauce of your choice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • If not using sauce, bake for another 3-5 minutes or until fully cooked through.

  • Stove Top Cooking Instructions
    Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, swirl it around to coat the skillet evenly.
  • Add half the meatballs and cook, turning every couple of minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  • Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • If using right away, transfer the cooked meatballs to a pot of sauce of your choice and simmer for a few minutes before serving.

So, the next time you’re looking for a reliable, go-to recipe that can be used in multiple ways, give this basic meatball recipe a try. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and adaptable to whatever flavors you’re craving.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need something quick and satisfying for dinner tonight, these meatballs will never let you down.

Looking for more delicious meatball recipes? Check these out!

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