Save time on cooking and make these frozen meatballs with a sweet balsamic glaze! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as an easy last minute appetizer.
Why You’ll Love this Italian Meatball Recipe
I love, love, love this frozen meatball “recipe”. I used quotes because, well…it’s just so simple. I’m a huge fan of balsamic vinegar and how versatile it is (“How to Make a Balsamic Reduction plus 20 ways to use it“? This recipe would absolutely be a great addition to that list.
Easy Italian meatball appetizer – Nothing beats homemade meatballs but starting from scratch takes time. However, you can save a ton of time by starting with frozen meatballs and simply improving the taste with this easy meatball glaze.
Versatile – Serve these for dinner on a busy weeknight or as a classic appetizer with toothpicks at your next cocktail party.
Tastes better – Store-bought frozen meatballs just taste better with this simple balsamic glaze and crushed red pepper.
Balsamic Meatball Ingredients
Italian meatballs – I start with frozen Italian Meatballs that I’ll usually just pick up at the store. I’ve even made these with Italian chicken meatballs. Homemade would be great though, so try these if you’re interested.
Balsamic vinegar – Reducing balsamic vinegar makes it sweeter, syrupy and something I will put on just about everything. I’ll even have some by the spoonful (although sometimes that makes me cough…does that happen to anyone else??).
Crushed red pepper – Just a pinch adds just the right amount of heat.
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable Italian meatball recipe card with exact measurements and recipe instructions.
How to Make Balsamic Meatballs
- Place balsamic vinegar and crushed red pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and keep it at a strong simmer until reduced by about half.
- Add the meatballs, stirring to coat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently to keep coating meatballs with glaze, until nearly all the glaze is coating the meatballs and just a small amount is left in the bottom of the pan.
How to Serve Italian Meatballs
We’ve enjoyed these Balsamic Glazed Italian Meatballs by themselves as an appetizer, but our favorite way? Cheese tortellini tossed with a good olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, loads of black pepper, then topped with these delicious Balsamic Meatballs! SO GOOD.
You can also enjoy them over mashed potatoes, rice, spaghetti or any pasta dish. If you’re not a fan of tomato sauce try a pesto sauce or white sauce such as alfredo sauce or even add to mac and cheese or eat them with buttered noodles. A homemade pizza with these meatballs, veggies and a little more balsamic glaze drizzled on top would be delicious!
Enjoy them as a classic appetizer with toothpicks, serve over spaghetti for a comforting meal, or create a hearty meatball sub with crusty bread and melted cheese. Get creative and experiment with different sauces, such as marinara or Alfredo, to customize the experience.
Whether you need cooked meatballs to serve with spaghetti, cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, plan to make sandwiches, or simply serve them with a tasty BBQ sauce as an appetizer, cooking frozen meatballs is quick and easy.
Balsamic Glazed Italian Meatballs
Save time on cooking and make these frozen meatballs with a sweet balsamic glaze! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as an easy last minute appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 packages Italian Style Meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 large pinch crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Place vinegar and crushed red pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and keep it at a strong simmer until reduced by about half.
- Add the meatballs, stirring to coat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently to keep coating meatballs with glaze, until nearly all the glaze is coating the meatballs and just a small amount is left in the bottom of the pan.
Serve immediately.
Notes
SERVING SUGGESTION: Place on top of cooked cheese tortellini, a little olive oil to coat, freshly ground black pepper and some Parmigiano Reggiano.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 69Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 102mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It will likely change depending on the meatballs you use.
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- Chipotle Porcupine Meatballs
- Swedish Meatballs
- Turkish Meatballs
- Meatballs and Rice Skillet
- Lemon Oregano Turkey Meatballs
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