Are you tired of bland meal prep options that leave you uninspired? Get ready to revolutionize your weekly meal planning with these mouthwatering meatballs that are not just a meal, but a culinary experience! Our Easy Meatball Meal Preps are the ultimate solution for anyone craving restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you'll create four delectable servings that will have your taste buds dancing and your hunger completely satisfied.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pasta sauce
- Cooked rice or quinoa
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 16-20 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
- Pour 2 cups of pasta sauce over the meatballs, reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through with internal temperature reaching 160°F.
- While meatballs are simmering, prepare 2 cups of rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
- Divide cooked rice or quinoa into four meal prep containers. Top each container with 4-5 meatballs and sauce.
- Allow meals to cool completely before sealing containers. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: When mixing ingredients, use your hands to ensure even distribution, but avoid overmixing which can make meatballs tough.
- Size Matters: Keep meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent portions.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 160°F for food safety.
- Storage Hack: For best quality, store meal preps in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days.
- Reheat Wisely: When reheating, add a splash of extra pasta sauce to keep meatballs moist and prevent drying out.
- Customization Option: Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
- Meal Prep Bonus: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
