The Best Way To Freeze Meatballs For Fast Weeknight Meals

What's more comforting than a homemade meatball? Not much. The only problem with meatballs is that they take some effort to make. Luckily, though, they freeze really well. So the next time you're craving meatballs, make a larger batch than usual and freeze some for later enjoyment.

Here's how: After cooking them, let the meatballs cool to room temperature before laying them out on a parchment paper–lined sheet pan — make sure none are touching. Then stick the sheet pan in the freezer for at least two hours so they're frozen. Then transfer them to a zip-locked freezer bag and squeeze out any extra air — exactly like you would for cookie dough. This method prevents the meatballs from freezing stuck to each other, making it easier for you to grab the exact quantity you want without having to break anything apart. This method also works for freezing raw meatballs.

If you're serving your meatballs with rice, make extra rice, too, then store it in the freezer to prevent it from drying out. Freeze your favorite sauce as well, for a frozen dinner situation that will save you a ton of time during a busy week.

Zip-locked freezer-grade plastic bags are a cheap way to declutter your freezer and save so much space. You can label your meatballs, and track when you put them in the freezer, and how to reheat them. If you want to take freezer organization a step further, get bins that you can label and stack. This organization hack will make your freezer a sight for sore eyes.

Since your freezer is now organized well, your frozen meatballs should be easy to find. The night before you want to eat them, grab the amount of meatballs you want out of your freezer supply and stick them the fridge to thaw overnight. If you forget or make a spontaneous decision, nuke them in increments of 30 seconds and turn them often to ensure they heat up evenly – it will just take longer. Either way, your meatballs will not stick together and you won't have to jab frozen meat with a fork or knife, or beat the bag on the counter, trying to free your portion. Use the frozen meatballs within three to four months.