Mini Meatballs

Rating: 3.14 stars
185 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 20
  • 4 star values: 46
  • 3 star values: 67
  • 2 star values: 44
  • 1 star values: 8

Shape these tiny meatballs, then freeze for up to 3 months. There's no need to thaw before using; they will cook quickly right out of the freezer.

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

prep:
20 mins
total:
20 mins
Yield:
Makes 40
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Ingredients

Directions

  • 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.

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  • Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or on 2 large plates. Freeze 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag; label and date.

  • To use the meatballs straight from the freezer, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Cook's Notes

Frozen mini meatballs can also be used in soup or sauce: Simmer meatballs, covered, in liquid until cooked through, about 10 minutes. For equal-size meatballs, scoop out meat mixture with a teaspoon, using 2 scoops for each meatball. Then roll between your palms to shape into balls.

Reviews (19)

185 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 20
  • 4 star values: 46
  • 3 star values: 67
  • 2 star values: 44
  • 1 star values: 8
Anonymous
Rating: 4 stars
06/01/2019
I really enjoyed them straight it if the over - yum! (Though I want faithful to the recipe, I've been betrayed by many meatball recipe. Mainly I used seasoned bread crumbs, 2 T). When I ate it with my spaghetti, the sauce really overwhelmed any flavor the meatballs had, but honestly I'd eat them like a side dish in the future because they are really tasty.
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
09/21/2012
This has become one of my "go to" recipes when making dinner for friends in need of a hot meal (sick, new mother, etc.). It is easily delivered with a box of pasta and jarred spaghetti sauce (if you don't have time for homeade) in a bag or basket. I usually make it without the bacon and add extra cheese and parsley. I've also made it with the bacon, but I find it cooks up a bit too greasy, despite the delicious flavor the bacon adds. Definitely recommend!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/22/2011
1 tablespoon I meant.
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Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/22/2011
1 teaspoon of breadcrumbs? Don't you mean 1 cup?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
03/21/2011
Very tasty and quick enough to throw under the broiler for weeknight spaghetti
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/27/2010
This recipe was absolutely delicious and I am grateful for it; my picky husband, AND my picky son both loved these!!! Very easy to make and freeze. Served with linguini and a plain spaghetti sauce and it was a hit!
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Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
11/05/2010
The prep method worked out perfectly, but the flavor of the meatballs was disappointing. We had them in spaghetti with a tomato sauce, and they were bland at best. I will try the freezing approach again, but make the meatballs differently (without the bacon and with the addition of the spices I would ordinary put in meatballs). Overall this recipe is a dud, unfortunately. I'm going to come off sounding like a snot, but I can't imagine how these are the best meatballs anyone has eaten.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/14/2009
Yes, raw bacon. I made them ahead and a double batch. They are great for a quick meal!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
05/19/2009
Any recipes for meatless meatballs?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/28/2009
Delicious in spaghetti and soups. I make a double batch and keep them in the freezer, a dozen per bag.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/01/2009
so you add raw bacon to the meat mixture?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/29/2009
can I make this without the bacon?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/08/2008
My favorite meatball recipe. I love to serve them with spaghetti and tomato sauce. They are even better when I use fresh basil to replace about half of the parsley called for in the recipe.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/07/2008
I would think you could use one of those small ice cream like scoopers
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/02/2008
DCantwell must have missed an ingredient. I served these with a basic ragu and pasta. They were fun and tasty. My friends asked for the recipe.- JC
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/02/2008
Bacon makes everything taste better!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/27/2008
These are the best meatballs I've ever eaten. I've been hunting for the recipe ever since I lost the issue of "Everyday Food" in appeared in. Thank you, Marthat Stewart webstie!. I usually make a double batch, since the yield of the single recipe iis not large. I wear those medical latex gloves to mix and roll, because I hate handling raw meant.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/20/2008
Fine as an appetizer, perhaps, but absolutely dreadful in spaghetti, even in homemade organic tomato sauce. The addition of bacon makes for a ghastly flavor combination. This is the first Martha recipe that's steered me wrong, terribly wrong! Try something different...
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/19/2008
These are the best meatballs.
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