Spaghetti and Meatballs Freezer Meal Recipe
Just a classic, cozy family favorite ready to save you on the nights you’re running on empty.
There are a million spaghetti and meatball recipes out there, but this one is different, because it actually gives busy moms what we need: relief. This freezer-friendly version lets you prep everything on a day that isn’t chaotic, stash it away, and then on the nights when life is overwhelming, you simply pull it out, toss it in the pot or slow cooker, and dinner practically takes care of itself.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Just a classic, cozy family favorite ready to save you on the nights you’re running on empty.
Ingredients
- 48 oz tomato sauce
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground italian sausage
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 gala apple diced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Serve with:
- 16 oz spaghetti
- parmesan cheese (optional)
- fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
Make it Fresh | Slow Cooker Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all ingredients, except tomato sauce and pasta, in a bowl and form 1 ½ inch sized meatballs. (TIP: Dip hands in cold water while rolling to keep hands from sticking to meatballs).
- Place formed meatballs on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. (Meatballs will not be 100% cooked. This bake allows them to hold their shape when in the slow cooker).
- MEAL PREP: For Meal Prep continue on from here with Freezer Meal Prep Directions.
- Add tomato sauce and cooked meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- When meatballs are almost done cooking, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over noodles and enjoy.
- Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan.
Freezer Meal Prep Directions:
- Complete Make it Fresh directions through step 4.
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.*
- Allow cooked meatballs to cool, then place in the freezer bag.
- Pour tomato sauce over meatballs into freezer bags.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- When meatballs are almost done cooking, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over noodles and enjoy.
- Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions
- Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking. (Meals can be cooked from frozen, but some Instant Pots may trigger a burn notice due to slow steam generation.)
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot.
- Set to high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Cook 16 oz spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Serve meatballs and sauce over noodles.
- Optional: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
*Labeling Methods:
- Handwrite recipe name and cooking directions on freezer bag with permanent marker.
- Print off a blank freezer label, write in recipe name and cooking directions, and tape onto freezer bag.
Nutrition
Calories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 32gFat: 29gFiber: 7g
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