Frozen meatballs can absolutely be cooked in sauce. In fact, cooking frozen meatballs in sauce is a great way to add flavor and moisture while ensuring the meatballs are heated through. There are just a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen meatballs in sauce to ensure optimal results.
Can you cook frozen meatballs in pasta sauce?
Yes, cooking frozen meatballs in pasta or marinara sauce is one of the most popular and delicious ways to prepare them. The sauce helps add moisture and extra flavor as the meatballs cook. Here are some tips for cooking frozen meatballs in pasta sauce:
- Use a sauce with a good consistency – Avoid thin or watery sauces, opt for thick, hearty tomato or meat sauces which will cling nicely to the meatballs as they cook.
- Cook over low heat – Cook frozen meatballs in sauce over medium-low to low heat. High heat can cause the outside to overcook before the inside thaws.
- Cover and cook – Cover the pan while simmering to help the meatballs cook evenly. Cook covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer in sauce – Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes once cooked through to absorb flavor.
- Stir gently – Gently stir the meatballs in the sauce every 5 minutes or so to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
What temperature should frozen meatballs be cooked to?
Frozen meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat and cooked through. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Once meatballs reach 165°F at the thickest part, they are fully cooked and safe to consume.
How long does it take to cook frozen meatballs in sauce?
Cooking times can vary based on the size of the meatballs and temperature of the sauce, but here are general guidelines for how long to cook frozen meatballs in sauce:
| Meatball Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1-inch | 15-20 minutes |
| 2-inch | 20-25 minutes |
| 3-inch | 25-30 minutes |
Check the internal temperature using a food thermometer to confirm the meatballs have reached 165°F. Also cut into a meatball to check for doneness – it should be hot throughout with no cold spots.
Can you cook frozen meatballs without defrosting?
Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen meatballs without defrosting them first. Cooking from frozen just requires a bit more time and gentler heat.
Here are some tips for cooking frozen meatballs without defrosting:
- Use a low or medium-low heat. High heat can burn the outside before the inside thaws.
- Cook covered to allow the meatballs to steam and cook evenly.
- Cook for 35-45 minutes for 1-2 inch meatballs, stirring occasionally.
- Add some liquid like sauce, broth or water to create steam and help cook the meatballs.
- Cook until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What is the best sauce to cook frozen meatballs in?
Here are some of the best sauces to use for cooking frozen meatballs:
- Marinara sauce – Classic marinara is perfect for meatballs. The tomato saucetenderizes the meat as it cooks.
- Barbecue sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce gives delicious flavor to meatballs.
- Brown gravy – Hearty and savory brown gravy is great for cooking meatballs.
- Creamy mushroom sauce – Mushroom sauce adds earthy flavor and richness.
- Swedish meatball sauce – A blend of beef broth, cream and gravy makes a perfect Swedish-style sauce.
The best sauces to use will cling to the meatballs and add extra moisture as they cook. Avoid thin sauces like plain pasta sauce or broth, which won’t help flavor penetrate the meatballs as they cook.
Do you brown frozen meatballs before cooking in sauce?
Browning frozen meatballs before cooking them in sauce is optional, but does provide some benefits:
- Adds color and enhanced flavor from the Maillard reaction
- Evaporates some surface moisture for better sauce absorption
- Crisps and caramelizes the exterior of the meatballs
To brown frozen meatballs before cooking in sauce:
- Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the frozen meatballs in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan.
- Brown for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly crisped.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the sauce to finish cooking through.
What are the best frozen meatballs to buy?
Here are some of the best store-bought frozen meatball brands and options:
| Brand | Recommended Meatballs |
|---|---|
| Aidells | Aidells Italian Style or Swedish Style Meatballs |
| Omaha Steaks | Omaha Steaks Beef Meatballs |
| Applegate | Applegate Organic Turkey Meatballs |
| Trader Joe’s | Trader Giotto’s Beef, Pork, and Turkey Meatballs |
| Beyond Meat | Beyond Meat Plant-Based Meatballs |
Look for meatballs without a lot of fillers, made with high-quality meat and ingredients. Well-rated natural and organic brands at the grocery store are a good option.
Can you cook frozen meatballs in the oven?
Yes, the oven is great way to cook frozen meatballs! Just place them in an oven-safe dish, add some sauce or broth, cover tightly and bake. Here is a simple oven method for frozen meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place frozen meatballs in a casserole dish and add enough pasta sauce to just cover the bottom of the dish.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
- Remove foil, stir meatballs, then continue baking 15 more minutes until heated through.
- Toss meatballs with additional pasta sauce to serve.
Roasting in the oven concentrates the flavor and is hands-off. Just be sure to use a tightly sealed dish so the meatballs steam and cook evenly.
Can you cook frozen meatballs on the stove?
Cooking frozen meatballs on the stovetop works very well. The key is to use gentle heat and cook covered. Here is a simple stovetop method:
- Choose a skillet or saute pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil over medium-low heat. Add frozen meatballs in a single layer.
- Pour sauce over the meatballs to come about 1/3 up the side of the meatballs.
- Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes for 2-inch meatballs, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover, raise heat to medium and cook 5 more minutes to reduce sauce and finish cooking.
The lid traps steam to help cook the meatballs. Avoid high heat which can overcook the outside before the inside is done.
Can you cook frozen meatballs in a slow cooker?
Using a slow cooker is an easy hands-off way to cook frozen meatballs. The gentle, moist heat of a slow cooker allows the meatballs to cook through without overcooking. Here’s how:
- Add frozen meatballs to slow cooker and top with your desired sauce.
- Cook on Low heat for 4-6 hours for 1-2 inch meatballs.
- Stir meatballs occasionally in the sauce as they cook.
- Increase heat to High for the last 15-30 minutes if you want the sauce to reduce and thicken.
The low heat gently brings the meatballs up to temperature so they cook perfectly all the way through. The sauce also absorbs into the meatballs as they cook.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen meatballs in sauce is a great way to add flavor and moisture. Whether you cook them in tomato sauce, gravy, or soup, the sauce helps tenderize the meatballs as they cook. Just be sure to use gentler heat, cook covered, and allow plenty of time for the meatballs to cook through. Properly cooked frozen meatballs in sauce make for a delicious, fuss-free meal.