Italian Meatballs Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
For the days when cooking dinner feels like a monumental task, our Italian Meatball recipe enters the scene and saves the day.
Hey there food explorers, super parents, and friends! We’re about to introduce you to a dish that captures the essence of Italy’s culinary heritage – classic Italian Meatballs. And guess what? They’re perfect for the Whole 30 program!
Imagine savoring the delectable blend of Italian herbs, the tender meatballs, and the savory tomato sauce they’re swimming in – a classic Italian comfort food. But what makes this particular recipe next level is that it’s also a freezer meal. For the days when cooking dinner feels like a monumental task, our Italian Meatball recipe enters the scene and saves the day.
We’ll lead you through the art of preparing this freezer-friendly masterpiece. If you’re a parent juggling a million tasks or just wanted to bless someone you care about, this recipe will be your go-to solution. Come along on the journey of flavor, convenience, and Whole 30 benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Whole 30 Italian Meatballs Recipe
- Protein-packed dish
- Quick and Easy
- Versitile dish
- Minimal clean-up
- Cooks itself
Italian Meatballs Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
For the days when cooking dinner feels like a monumental task, our Italian Meatball recipe enters the scene and saves the day.
Equipment
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup broth or water
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 cup apple diced
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Freezer Prep Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Mix together meatball ingredients and form 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in preheated oven for 6-10 minutes in the oven. (Meatballs will not be 100% cooked, this is intended, they will hold their shape in the freezer and finish cooking in the slow cooker).
- Allow meatballs to cool completely before adding to the labeled freezer bag.
- Add tomato sauce over meatballs in the labeled freezer bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for 3 months.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker, plus 1/2 cup broth.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Stir and serve over cauliflower rice. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Instant Pot Directions
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup broth.
- Set to High Pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Stir and serve over cauliflower rice. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
Make it Dairy-Free:
- Ensure your sausage is gluten-free.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Freezer Labels
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Equipment Needed to Make this Italian Meatballs Freezer Meal
- Gallon Freezer Bags
- Crockpot
Ingredients For Your Italian Meatballs
- 24 oz basil tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
Meatballs:
- 1 lb Ground Turkey (or Ground Beef)
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 gala apple, diced
- 1 large egg
- 3 TBSP Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Day of Cooking
- 1x 12 oz bag cauliflower rice
- chopped basil or parsley (garnish)
How To Make Whole 30 Italian Meatballs
Prep/Freezer Directions
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Mix meatball ingredients, then form meatballs at 1-inch in diameter.
- Bake meatballs at 400° F for 10 minutes. Let cool, then add to the labeled gallon freezer bag.
- Add tomato sauce and water to the bag. Seal it, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Cooking Directions
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in water (meal may not be 100% thawed, but that is okay).
- Add the freezer bag contents to a slow cooker plus ½ cup of water.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Stir and serve over cauliflower rice. top with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
What to Serve with Your Italian Meatballs
Sides
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower Mash
Desserts
- Coconut Mango Chia Pudding
- Mixed Berry Salad
- Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Mocktails
- Sparkling Water with Citrus Slices
- Honeydew Mint Cooler
- Whole 30 Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Substitutions:
Meat: The recipe calls for ground turkey, but offers ground beef as an option, too. If you’d prefer, ground chicken or pork are great in this recipe also.
Onion: Yellow onion is extremely flavorful, but if you’re seeking less flavor, a sweet onion will do. For a stronger onion flavor, shallots are a great choice.
Additions:
Raisins and Nuts: Go Sicilian style by adding raisins and pignoli nuts.
How To Reheat & Store Italian Meatballs
Best Way To Store Whole 30 Italian Meatball Leftovers?
Store Italian Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Italian Meatballs Last In the Fridge?
Your Italian Meatballs will last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, if properly stored.
Can I Freeze Italian Meatballs after cooking?
In true freezer meal fashion, we always recommend freezing before cooking. This preserves flavor and texture. However, if you have an abundance of leftovers, you can absolutely freeze them in an airtight container.
How to Reheat Whole 30 Italian Meatballs
You can reheat these in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.
FAQs
Other Whole 30 Recipes You’ll Love
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