Can You Freeze Raw Meatballs?

Meatballs are freezer-friendly, and as such, they can be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life. So, can you freeze raw meatballs? The short answer is yes; you can freeze raw meatballs. In this article, we will cover how to freeze raw meatballs, the best tips to freeze them, and how to defrost them properly.

You will never go wrong with meatballs for the weekend with friends and family.

What Are Raw Meatballs?

Raw meatballs are gotten from ground or minced beef or pork, which is seasoned with herbs, spices, and seasoning to give them taste and flavor.

To give it shape, it is shaped and molded into circles and then cooked. It is then added to tomato sauce. You mostly find people eating meatballs in sauce with spaghetti or mixed with other dishes and recipes.

How to Freeze Raw Meatballs

Freezing raw meatballs is like ABC if you follow these steps. To answer the question, “Can you freeze raw meatballs?”, here’s a guide on how to go about it.

Step 1: Line on Baking Paper

To freeze raw meatballs, line baking paper on a baking tray. Using a scoop or by hand, mold your meatballs into circles and lay them on the baking paper. Lay each ball apart from the others; this way, they don’t stick.

Step 2: Flash Freeze Them

Lay your baking tray containing meatballs in the freezer for a flash freeze. Place them in the freezer for 3–4 hours to freeze and get solid. This will further help in making sure meatballs don’t stick together.

Step 3: Wrap Them

Using cling film or plastic wrap, fill the wrap with frozen meatballs. Wrap these tightly and proceed to the next step. This helps prevent freezer burn.

Step 4: Pack Them

Next, transfer the wrapped meatballs into a freezer bag or an airtight container.

Step 5: Record and Freeze

Lastly, record the storage date of the raw meatballs and ensure containers are closed tightly and the freezer bags sealed. Go ahead and lay it down in the freezer for up to two months.

How Long Can You Freeze Raw Meatballs?

Raw meatballs can be stored in the freezer for about two months.

We recommend consuming them within the first few weeks because the longer they stay in the freezer, the more their texture, taste, and flavor are affected negatively.

5 Tips For Freezing Raw Meatballs

Now that the question, “Can you freeze raw meatballs?” has been answered, here are a few tips to ensure you freeze them well:

Tip 1: Allow the meatballs to completely cool off after making them.

Tip 2: Ensure you push out excess air from the freezer bag before sealing it firmly.

Tip 3: Ensure you use a clean and airtight container while freezing raw meatballs.

Tip 4: Record the storage date so you can keep a record of how long you have frozen raw meatballs.

Tip 5: Store them in a deep freezer.

How Do You Defrost Raw Meatballs?

Defrosting raw meatballs is like ABC, just as freezing them is. When you’re ready, take out the frozen raw meatballs from the freezer and transfer them to the fridge overnight. This allows it to defrost properly.

Do not defrost them at room temperature, as this creates room for bacterial development.

How To Tell If Your Frozen Raw Meatballs Are Bad

To tell if your frozen raw meatballs are bad, here are some key indicators: Once you notice this, throw them out and avoid consuming them.

Unpleasant Smell
Brown or greyish color
The appearance of molds
A wet and slimy texture
Sour taste

Can You Refreeze Raw Meatballs?

Refreezing raw meatballs is not recommended. The meat easily becomes contagious and becomes unhealthy to eat when frozen again. Additionally, if you refreeze meatballs, the taste and texture will be negatively affected.

Does Raw Meatballs Freeze Well?

Yes, on the condition that meatballs are cooked and stored properly in freezer bags or airtight containers. They stay for two months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Can you freeze raw meatballs? Yes, it is possible to freeze them for two months. However, they must be properly stored in airtight containers and freezer bags. Additionally, they should not be refrozen, as this leads to microbial and bacterial development.

You could also check how to freeze chicken broth.

FAQs

What is the best way to freeze uncooked meatballs?

To freeze, lay the meatballs, each apart, on a line on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 3–4 hours until solid and frozen. Transfer frozen meatballs inside an airtight container or freezer bag and return to the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze fresh meatballs?

Yes, you can. Fresh meatballs can be frozen for about 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, label them, and place them in the freezer.

Can I cook raw meatballs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook raw meatballs from frozen. When ready, add them to the pot until it is thawed completely, or bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes at 180 degrees.

Is it better to freeze raw meatballs or cooked?

Both can be frozen for up to two months in the freezer, either raw or uncooked, and cooked meatballs should be stored properly in airtight containers or freezer bags.