Prepared Frozen Meatballs

[Shel_B]

In about a week, I'm cooking a dish for a large crowd, and to save time and my sanity, I'd like to use prepared frozen meatballs instead of making my own. I've tried TJ's meatballs and they are lacking good flavor and the texture is just so-so. Are there any such meatballs that you'd recommend? I'm located in the San Francisco area, so something that can be purchased in the general area would be ideal ... a national brand that you like, perhaps, or something made locally that's good.

One recommendation I got was for the Costco product. Any thoughts on those?

Also, Rao's was suggested. They come with their own sauce (not a deal-breaker, but there's a good supply of my own sauce ready to use). Any thoughts on Rao's frozen meatballs?

What else is out there?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Cooked Perfect Angus metaballs

 

[Pablo]

I’ve never had any that were that great. Start now fill your own freezer!

 

[Rmay635703]

I’ve never had any that were that great. Start now fill your own freezer!

I’ve always found all frozen meatballs to have an off flavor like aged meat. Fresh from the grocery are usually better

At best some frozen are less off putting especially when combined with something with a heavy flavor like porcupine meatballs.

Meat balls are just ground beef/pork and some oatmeal and spices

 

[Nessism1]

I like the Costco meatballs.

 

[Shel_B]

I’ve always found all frozen meatballs to have an off flavor like aged meat. Fresh from the grocery are usually better

At best some frozen are less off putting especially when combined with something with a heavy flavor like porcupine meatballs.

Meat balls are just ground beef/pork and some oatmeal and spices

Meatballs have been in my repertoire for decades. For this situation I don't want to make a big batch ... I'm going to need about 100 meatballs (depending on size).

I gave up on oatmeal in meatballs in 1972.

 

[himemsys]

I think Costco is probably your best bet for both flavor and cost.

 

[Pablo]

I think Costco is probably your best bet for both flavor and cost.

Are they squishy?

 

[himemsys]

Are they squishy?

TBH, I've never tried them. But generally speaking, a lot of their frozen foods are very good compared to the competition, and you save per unit cost because of the bulk sizes.

 

[B6_Dolphin]

If available in your area, Rosina's is a great choice:

https://www.rosina.com/consumers/consumer-brands/rosina/

Reviewed here (#2 on list):

https://www.mashed.com/1355738/frozen-meatball-brands-ranked-worst-to-best/

 

[Pablo]

Just for the record turkey turd orbs are not meatballs

 

[Shel_B]

If available in your area, Rosina's is a great choice:

https://www.rosina.com/consumers/consumer-brands/rosina/

Reviewed here (#2 on list):

https://www.mashed.com/1355738/frozen-meatball-brands-ranked-worst-to-best/

According to Rosina's website, there are several stores nearby that carry tthe items in which I'm interested. Thanks for the info and the links. Very helpful.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have never had a commercial meatball that tasted like a meatball. If you find one let us know.

We likely made close to 100 on our last batch - fully cooked, didn't take long. We freeze them in packs of about a dozen, drop them into cold water for like 20 minutes to start unthawing then simmer them in tomato sauce.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I have never had a commercial meatball that tasted like a meatball. If you find one let us know.

We likely made close to 100 on our last batch - fully cooked, didn't take long. We freeze them in packs of about a dozen, drop them into cold water for like 20 minutes to start unthawing then simmer them in tomato sauce.

Don't thaw them first. Drop them in the sauce while still frozen.

Are they squishy?

They better not be squishy if they're frozen

 

[Pablo]

Don't thaw them first. Drop them in the sauce while still frozen.



They better not be squishy if they're frozen

Slimy when thawed?

 

[vavavroom]

I haven't had frozen meatballs that I liked. I also like my meatballs pan-fried with a crispy exterior. I have been banned from traveling to Italy.

 

[Pablo]

I haven't had frozen meatballs that I liked. I also like my meatballs pan-fried with a crispy exterior. I have been banned from traveling to Italy.

Because of the size of your meatballs?

 

[Snagglefoot]

In Canada it’s M&M.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Costco meatballs

 

[Danno]

In Canada it’s M&M.

View attachment 240460

M&M meatballs, cooked in chili sauce with grape jelly.
Just the best.