Mini Meatballs

By pattie_d

Frozen mini-meatballs can also be used in soup or sauce: Simmer meatballs, covered, in liquid until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 slices bacon (2 ounces), finely chopped
• 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 and ground pepper

Preparation

Step 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.)

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.

STEP 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.

STEP 3
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.