Freezer Pleaser

Here’s one of my standby freezer recipes. I love to make a big honking batch of these puppies and load up the freezer. But the real appeal to me is I can make a humongo mess just one day and get three bonus mess-less (or almost) meals for later!

The original recipe (I’ve tweaked it slightly…okay barely) was found in Taste of Home probably five years or more ago. I have also made them with half ground beef and half ground turkey. Gotta cut those calories where we can, right?


Less Mess Meatballs
4 eggs 2 c. dry bread crumbs
¾ c. finely chopped onion 1 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. pepper
4 lbs. lean ground beef

Put ground beef in large bowl. Beat eggs, add to meat, add other ingredients and mix well (it works best if you use your hands!). Shape into 1” balls, should make about 12 dozen. Place in single layers in ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes, until no longer pink. Let cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, place in freezer bags. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Meatballs are great in spaghetti, sandwiches, as an appetizer, etc.

Simple Sweet Sauce
1 c. ketchup ¼ tsp. garlic powder
¾ c. packed brown sugar ½ c. chopped onion
This makes enough to use as a pourover sauce. Just take out a bag of meatballs (no need to thaw) and throw this sauce on top, in the oven for 40-60 minutes...yum!

Bacon & Cheese Please!
When I make a batch of these I usually follow the above directions and make about ¾ into the meatballs. Then the remaining mix, I add several slices of chopped bacon and form individual serving size patties . Cut cheddar cheese into squares (maybe an inch?) and press into center of mixture. These take a little longer to bake but they’re so yummy, especially with the sauce…oh I am getting hungry!

Pizza Possibilities?
You can also use mozzarella cheese and top with warmed pizza sauce or even a slice or two of pepperoni.


For more great recipes head on over to The Grocery Cart Challenge’s Recipe Swap.