Mini Meatballs

LMillerRN's Note:

From Everyday Food. Shape these tiny meatballs, then freeze for up to three months. There’s no need to thaw before using; they will cook quickly right out of the freezer. Use these meatballs with Recipe #222364.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 40 meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 slices bacon, finely chopped (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon plain dried breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• coarse salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine beef, bacon, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape mixture into 40 meatballs. (For equal-size meatballs, scoop out meat mixture with a teaspoon, using two scoops for each meatball. Then roll between your palms to shape into balls.).
2. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or on two large plates. Freeze 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag; label and date.
3. To use the meatballs straight from the freezer, preheat oven to 400°. Place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
4. Note: Frozen mini-meatballs can also be used in soup or sauce: Simmer meatballs, covered, in liquid until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Reviews

[Sam #3]

Don't know how I never reviewed this before! I love these! And they're great since you can use them raw and frozen right into the dish you're cooking. I skipped on the parsley and used a mix of basil and oregano and also added 1/8 tsp of cinnamon. I usually make this 6x each time and freeze them!

[French Lavender]

I doubled the recipe, made some for tonight and froze some for another night. They were a hit, even with my picky 5yr old. Our small town grocery store was closed so I improvised with real bacon bits, dried parsley and garlic powder. Excellent none the less! Thanks!

[soulmatesforever]

These are soooo good! I left out the nutmeg by mistake and ended up using 3 tablespoons dried parsley as I didn't have fresh. Love love love these little meatballs!