My Secret to Effortless Weeknight Dinners!
I’m obsessed with meal prep, and these simple, all-purpose meatballs are my secret weapon. They take just a few minutes to make, and they can go straight from the freezer into a hearty stove-top sauce for a no-fuss, low-carb meal that tastes like you spent hours on it. Convenience never tasted so good!
MAKES: 16 servings (64 medium meatballs)
PREPARATION TIME: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 4.4 pounds / 2 kg ground beef
• 1 medium onion, 3.9 oz / 110 g, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped herbs, 0.5 oz / 15 g (parsley, basil, oregano), or 1 tablespoon dried herbs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3.2 oz / 90 g
Instructions
1. Place all the in a large bowl and combine well using your hands.2. Portion and roll the mixture into 64 medium-sized meatballs, about 1.2 oz / 34 g each.3. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet and freeze for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until firm.4. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.5. When ready to use, add the frozen meatballs directly to your favorite sauce and simmer on the stove until cooked through, or defrost in the fridge overnight.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING (4 MEATBALLS):Total carbs: 0.9 gFiber: 0.2 gNet carbs: 0.7 gProtein: 21.6 gFat: 25 gEnergy: 322 kcalMacronutrient ratio: Calories from carbs (1%), protein (27%), fat (72%)
Pro Tips
• Swap the ground beef for pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, or chile flakes to customize your meatballs.
• For an extra flavor boost, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Red Pesto with the ground meat.
• Flatten the meatballs into patties for quick-cooking burgers or Salisbury steak.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to thaw these meatballs before cooking
A: No, you can add the frozen meatballs directly to your favorite sauce and simmer on the stove until they are cooked through. You can also defrost them in the fridge overnight if you prefer.
Q: How long can I store these meatballs in the freezer
A: When stored properly in a freezer-safe bag, these meatballs will last for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat
A: Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey to create a different flavor profile.
Q: Are these meatballs keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 0.7 grams of net carbs per serving of four meatballs, this recipe is very low-carb and suitable for a keto diet.
