Discover the Best Frozen Meatballs for Your Italian Feast
Planning to whip up some subs or spaghetti for a hungry crowd like Cousin Eddie, Aunt Valentina, and Uncle Enzo? Meatballs are a key component of any Italian celebration, but the process of gathering all the ingredients and putting them together from scratch can be both time-consuming and pricey. Luckily, there are top-rated frozen meatball brands that can save the day.
Whether you prefer to cook them in an air fryer, bake them in the oven, simmer them on the stovetop, or confit them in a slow cooker, we’ve taste-tested six leading frozen meatball brands to help you make an informed choice.
Curious about the best frozen meatballs out there? Let’s take a closer look.
Please note that prices and availability may vary.
1. Simek’s Italian Style Beef Meatballs
Target Price: $7.39
Get them now at Target
Simek’s Italian Style Beef Meatballs stand out as a top contender. Sporting a delightful blend of garlic, onion, parsley, Romano, and parmesan cheese, these meatballs offer a classic Italian taste. Their crispy brown exterior and savory flavor make them a standout option, whether cooked in an air fryer or oven-baked. Simek’s is a definite winner in the frozen meatball department.
2. Raise American Grass Fed Beef Meatballs
Instacart Price: $9.99
Order them from Instacart
Raise American Grass Fed Beef Meatballs boast a robust beef flavor that sets them apart from the rest. These meaty and charred delights have a homemade quality that’s hard to beat. While they may not top the list due to their seasoning, they are a solid choice for meatball enthusiasts.
3. Rosina Italian Style Meatballs
Instacart Price: $8.99
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Rosina’s Italian Style Meatballs offer a genuine Italian taste with hints of basil and oregano. Made from a blend of beef, pork, and chicken, these flavorful meatballs are a great addition to your spaghetti dish. Their small size makes them easy to devour, earning them a spot among the best frozen meatballs available.
4. Farm Rich Homestyle Meatballs
Instacart Price: $8.59
Purchase on Instacart
While Farm Rich Homestyle Meatballs are not offensive, they lack the robust flavors found in other brands. With a subtle sweetness reminiscent of breakfast sausage, these pork and beef meatballs are a decent alternative if your top picks are unavailable.
5. Gardein Plant-Based Meatballs
Walmart Price: $5.17
Buy them at Walmart
For a plant-based option, consider Gardein Plant-Based Meatballs. While they may not offer a healthier alternative, these meatballs provide a meat-free option that’s worth a try.
Make your next Italian feast a breeze with these
This is a great way to reduce your intake of red meat. The texture of these meatballs is chewier compared to ground beef, but when covered in sauce, it can be difficult to notice any distinctions. They are definitely a step up from the Harris Teeter meatballs. The Harris Teeter Homestyle Meatballs priced at $2.69 on Instacart are best avoided. They have a styrofoam-like taste and turned gray when cooked in the oven. Cooking frozen meatballs is simple and can be done in various ways safely. One popular method is cooking them in pasta sauce or using an air fryer. Here are some guidelines for cooking frozen meatballs in different ways:
Air Fryer Method:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees
2. Place around 20 meatballs in the air fryer
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked and slightly browned on top
Pasta Sauce Method:
1. Pour your preferred sauce (like marinara or tomato sauce) into a saucepan
2. Add the meatballs
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover
4. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until the center is heated through
Oven Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper
3. Arrange the frozen meatballs on the prepared tray, leaving some space between them
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping the meatballs 2-3 times during cooking
Overall, this article provides tips for cooking frozen meatballs easily and deliciously.
