Source: Sea Wave, AdobeStockIf you want to simplify your weekdays, then meatballs for freezing are a lifesaver. We share 8 best recipes on how to prepare minced meat so it doesn't lose its flavor after storage. These meatballs won't fall apart and are very convenient to cook. They pair well with any sauces, vegetables, and side dishes, and also save time and effort. Just take them out of the freezer – and dinner is practically ready!
1. Meatballs with Rice for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockA classic option for all occasions.
You will need: 500 g ground meat, 50-60 g rice, 1 onion, 2 eggs, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Boil rice until half-cooked, finely chop and fry the onion until golden, mix everything with the ground meat and beat in the eggs. Season the mixture and, with wet hands, form meatballs. Place them on a cutting board or baking sheet, put them in the freezer for 1-2 hours, and only then pack them for storage.
2. Meatballs with Rice and Sautéed Vegetables for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockCook them in your favorite sauce as desired.
You will need: 300 g pork, 200 g beef, 100-120 g rice, 50 g carrots, 1 onion, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Finely chop the onion, grate the carrot, and sauté them until soft. Rinse the rice and pour boiling water over it for 10 minutes, and press the garlic through a press. Grind the meat using a meat grinder, mix all ingredients together, salt and season the resulting mixture to taste.
Thoroughly beat the mixture, form small meatballs with wet hands, and arrange them on a cutting board. Place the prepared meatballs in the freezer for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or container and return to the freezer for storage.
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3. Chicken Meatballs for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockMinced meat from any part of the chicken will work.
You will need: 500 g ground chicken, 80 g rice, 1/2 onion, butter, salt, spices.
Preparation: Finely chop and sauté the onion in butter, thoroughly rinse the rice, boil it until half-cooked, and mix all ingredients from the recipe together. Season the resulting mixture, form meatballs with wet hands, and arrange them on a cutting board so they don't stick together. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours, and only then transfer the prepared meatballs to a bag or container for storage.
4. Fish Meatballs for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockHere you can use fillets of any white fish – cod, pollock, pike.
You will need: 600 g fish fillet, 2 egg yolks, 3-4 cloves garlic, herbs, salt, spices.
Preparation: Pass the fish through a meat grinder, finely chop the garlic and herbs, then mix everything with egg yolks and season the mixture. Form small meatballs, arrange them on a cutting board, and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. After that, transfer the meatballs to zip-lock bags or containers and return them to storage.
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5. Meatballs with Cheese for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockInstead of ground chicken, you can also use ground turkey.
You will need: 500 g ground chicken, 100 g hard cheese, 1 egg, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, 10 g herbs, 2 cloves garlic, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Finely chop the herbs with garlic and grate the cheese. Mix all ingredients with the ground chicken. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs according to the consistency of the mixture. Form meatballs with wet hands, arrange them on a cutting board, and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. After that, put everything into a zip-lock bag or plastic container.
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6. Turkey Meatballs for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockDelicious and healthy homemade semi-finished product.
You will need: 500 g ground turkey, 100 g rice, 1 onion, 1 carrot, breadcrumbs, salt, spices, vegetable oil.
Preparation: Boil rice until half-cooked, finely chop and lightly sauté the onion with carrots. Mix everything with the ground turkey and season to taste. Form small meatballs, lightly roll them in breadcrumbs, and arrange them on a cutting board. Place the prepared meatballs in the freezer for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a bag and leave them in the freezer for storage.
7. Meatballs with Pearl Barley for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockYou'll definitely want to make these again, as this recipe requires simple ingredients and very little time.
You will need: 500 g ground meat, 1/2 cup pearl barley, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 clove garlic, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Rinse and soak the pearl barley for several hours, then cook it according to the package instructions. Separately, finely chop and sauté the onion, carrot, and garlic until soft. Mix everything with the ground meat, season, and form meatballs. Arrange them on a cutting board, place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours, and only then transfer them to a bag and return them to the freezer.
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8. Meatballs without Rice for Freezing
Source: AdobeStockWe recommend adding more onion for a juicier mixture.
You will need: 500 g ground pork or beef, 2-3 onions, 2 cloves garlic, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Finely chop and lightly sauté the onion. Mix it with the ground meat, crushed garlic, and spices. Form meatballs with wet hands, arrange them on a cutting board, and place them in the freezer for 1 hour. Then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or plastic container and return them to storage.