Cooking frozen meatballs is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal, but exactly how long does it take? The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the meatballs, the cooking method, and preferences for doneness. With some simple tips, it’s easy to perfectly cook frozen meatballs every time.
Quick Answer
Most frozen meatballs take 15-25 minutes to cook through in the oven at 375°F. Smaller meatballs may cook faster in 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, frozen meatballs take 12-15 minutes in simmering sauce. Microwaved meatballs take only 5-8 minutes to heat through.
Oven Cooking Times
The oven is a great hands-off way to cook frozen meatballs. At a temperature of 375°F, expect the cooking time to be:
- Small 1-inch meatballs: 10-15 minutes
- Average 1.5-inch meatballs: 15-20 minutes
- Jumbo 2-inch meatballs: 20-25 minutes
The exact time will depend on how large or dense the meatballs are. Pop the meatballs in the oven straight from the freezer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. For even cooking, make sure to leave space between each meatball and resist overcrowding.
If you want to add sauce, bake the frozen meatballs plain for 10 minutes first. Then remove from the oven, add your favorite sauce, return to the oven and continue cooking until heated through, about 10-15 more minutes.
How to Tell When Meatballs Are Done
The best way to test doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball. Ground beef and other meatballs are safe to eat and fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can judge doneness by cutting into a meatball after the minimum oven cooking time. It should not be pink inside. Meatballs are also done when they have firmed up and are hot throughout.
Stovetop Cooking Times
Besides the oven, the stovetop is another easy way to cook frozen meatballs by simmering them in sauce. This helps add delicious flavor.
To cook on the stovetop:
- Pick a sauce like marinara, beef gravy or cream sauce.
- Heat the sauce to a gentle simmer in a skillet on medium heat.
- Add the frozen meatballs and cover.
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes, gently turning occasionally until heated through.
The simmering liquid helps heat the meatballs from all sides for fast, even cooking. Smaller meatballs may take less time around 10 minutes.
Stovetop Tips
- Use a skillet with taller sides to keep everything contained.
- Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Add 1/4 cup water or broth to create more simmering liquid if needed.
- For better flavor, thaw meatballs overnight in the fridge before simmering.
Microwave Cooking Times
For the fastest option, the microwave can cook frozen meatballs in just 5-8 minutes. Microwaving does result in less evenly cooked meatballs, so it’s best for smaller batches.
To microwave:
- Arrange frozen meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, leaving space between each.
- Microwave on HIGH in 1 minute intervals until heated through, about 5-8 minutes total depending on size.
- Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
Rotate or flip the meatballs halfway during cooking if microwaving a large batch. Meatballs are done when hot and register 160°F internally.
Microwave Tips
- Cover with a paper towel or lid to retain moisture.
- Cook meatballs in sauce for added flavor and moisture.
- Cook fewer meatballs at a time for even results.
| Cooking Method | Small Meatballs | Average Meatballs | Large Meatballs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven at 375°F | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| Simmering on Stovetop | 10 minutes | 12-15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Microwaved | 5-8 minutes | 5-8 minutes | 8-10 minutes |
Factors That Increase Cook Time
A few factors can result in frozen meatballs taking longer to cook through:
- Larger size – The bigger the meatballs, the more time needed for heat to penetrate to the center.
- Higher fat content – Meatballs with added fat or dark meat will cook slower.
- Overcrowded pan – Too many meatballs lower the temperature and slow cooking.
- Lower oven temperature – Heat meatballs at 350°F vs 375°F and expect to add 5+ minutes to the cook time.
- Still partially frozen – Fully thaw meatballs before cooking for shortest cook time.
Cooking Directly from Frozen
Cooking frozen meatballs is convenient but does require more time versus thawed meatballs. Expect frozen meatballs to take roughly 1.5 times as long to cook compared to thawed.
Here are approximate cooking times for frozen vs thawed meatballs:
| Cooking Method | 1.5-inch Frozen Meatball | 1.5-inch Thawed Meatball |
|---|---|---|
| Oven at 375°F | 20 minutes | 12-15 minutes |
| Simmering on Stovetop | 15 minutes | 8-10 minutes |
Letting meatballs thaw overnight in the refrigerator results in shorter cook times and can allow seasonings to penetrate better. But cooking from frozen is still easy and convenient in a pinch!
Tips for Cooking Frozen Meatballs
- Use oven or stovetop cooking methods for best results.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F if short on time.
- Cook in sauce or broth to add moisture and prevent drying out.
- Bake meatballs on parchment paper or foil lined pan for easy cleanup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Cooked meatballs will keep in the refrigerator 3-4 days stored in an airtight container. To freeze extra meatballs for longer term storage:
- Cool cooked meatballs completely.
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Then use one of these quick methods:
- Microwave: Microwave individual meatballs on HIGH for 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes if reheating a batch.
- Saucepan: Gently reheat in tomato sauce, broth or gravy over medium-low heat.
Avoid reheating more than once, as this can dry out the meatballs. With proper storage in the freezer, leftovers will retain their flavor and moisture when reheated.
Cooking Meatballs from Scratch
While prep time is required, homemade meatballs are worth the effort and cook up tender and flavorful. Here is an overview of cook times when making meatballs from scratch:
Meatball Prep Time
Allow 30-60 minutes for preparation and chilling when making homemade meatballs. Steps include:
- Mixing ingredients (10 minutes)
- Forming into balls (10-15 minutes)
- Chilling in fridge (30 minutes minimum)
Chilling helps meatballs hold their shape better during cooking. Season meatballs before chilling so flavors have time to blend.
Raw Meatball Cook Times
Cook times for homemade raw meatballs are similar to frozen. In the oven at 375°F, expect:
- Small meatballs: 10-15 minutes
- Average meatballs: 15-20 minutes
- Large meatballs: 20-25+ minutes
Use an instant read thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 160°F at the center when cooked.
Tips for Homemade Meatballs
- Season evenly throughout the meatball mix.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Fry in batches to prevent sticking and overcrowding.
- Turn gently to prevent breaking apart.
With the proper prep and cook times, homemade meatballs come out perfect every time. The extra effort is worth it for the fresh, flavorful results.
Common Meatball Cooking Mistakes
With the right techniques, it’s easy to cook meatballs to juicy, tender perfection. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Undercooking – Always use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 160°F minimum.
- Overcrowding – Leave space between meatballs for even cooking; use multiple pans if needed.
- Flipping too often – Gently turn meatballs only 1-2 times during cooking to prevent breaking.
- Too high heat – Cook over medium or medium low heat on the stovetop to prevent burning.
- Not preheating oven – Allow oven to fully preheat before placing meatballs inside.
With some simple best practices, it’s easy to avoid the pitfalls of improperly cooked meatballs. Follow cooking time guidelines based on size, use a thermometer to check doneness, and allow space for even airflow. Perfectly cooked meatballs are just minutes away!
Conclusion
Cooking frozen meatballs is a fast and easy process, with oven bake times typically ranging from 15-25 minutes at 375°F depending on size. Smaller meatballs may cook faster in 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, simmer frozen meatballs in sauce for 12-15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving can cook individual meatballs in only 5-8 minutes. Allow for extra cooking time if preparing meatballs from scratch. With the proper times and temperatures for your preferred cooking method, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked, tender and delicious meatballs in under 30 minutes.