The Best Frozen Meatballs To Buy Right Now

You makin’ subs? You makin’ spaghetti? Need to feed Cousin Eddie, Aunt Valentina, and Uncle Enzo? Meatballs are a crucial but time-consuming part of any Italian feast, and gathering the many ingredients involved can be expensive. The good news is that the best frozen meatballs can do the trick in a pinch. 

Whether you intend to toss them in an air fryer, bake them in the oven, confit them in a slow cooker, or simmer them on your stovetop, we've taste-tested six top-rated frozen meatball brands, so you know which ones you need to eat — and skip. What are the best frozen meatballs, you ask? Take a gander.

Prices and availability are subject to change. 

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$7.39 from Target

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Wow, these are good. There's no question, these are the best store-bought meatballs you're likely to find. Like Rosina (see below), the seasoning is just right, but there’s so much more going on here. We’ve got garlic, onion, parsley, and even some Romano and parmesan cheese; everything you need for a classic, Italian-style frozen meatball. There’s a nice, grainy texture, like it was constructed from recently-made sausage. 

I love the crispy brown color, and despite the fact that an air fryer is generally the best way to cook frozen meatballs, the oven baked them up to a perfect crisp. The charred crunch on the edges are spectacular. As far as I’m concerned, I’m never buying another brand. Simek's meatballs are an easy pick for the best frozen meatballs to buy right now.

Related: Forget McDonald’s: These Are the Best (and Worst) Frozen Chicken Nuggets

$9.99 from Instacart

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Raise American's meatballs are a true beef blast (my high school nickname), and are unlike any other meatballs I tasted. These are meaty things — almost gamey, almost bison-y — and full of charred, just-off-the-grill flavors. Out everything I sampled, they taste the most like homemade meatballs; not even a little bit store-bought. 

I can see why many people would call these the best-tasting frozen meatballs, but Simek’s seasoning is way too tasty. No shame in the game, Raise. I like what you're up to over there.

$8.99 from Instacart

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Rosina’s frozen meatballs are a lot tastier and more high-quality than I expected. Unlike so many of the best frozen "Italian" meatballs, these actually taste Italian, making them some of the best frozen meatballs for spaghetti. You can taste basil and oregano, and the beef-pork-chicken blend brings a lot of different flavor and texture. They're tiny, too, so there's a ton of temptation to keep popping them in your mouth. 

$8.59 from Instacart

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Though these are not offensive by any means, they are bland as can be. If you squint your eyes and focus as hard as you can, you can taste a slight sweetness, almost like the flavors of a breakfast sausage patty. These pork and beef meatballs are an alright option if the top three are sold out. You'll save some money, at least.

$5.17 from Walmart

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It wouldn’t be a ranking in 2023 if I didn’t include a plant-based option, right? You already know the drill: These aren’t bad. Like many meat substitutes of today, Gardein’s meatball recipe isn't any healthier for you than the real thing, but it’s a solid way to cut out red meat. The texture is a lot chewier than ground beef, but drenched in sauce, it might be hard to pick up on any differences. They’re better than the Harris Teeter meatballs, that’s for sure.

$2.69 from Instacart

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Huge pass. These taste like styrofoam. They are also the only ones that turned gray when I pulled them out of the oven. The face I made upon taking my first bite, I am told, could not be construed in any way as a compliment. I love Harris Teeter as a grocery store, but the in-house products need a lot of work, gang.

There are tons of ways to safely cook your frozen premade meatballs, but we love to cook them in pasta sauce or an air fryer. Your oven works too, for a nice, easy-to-prepare option.

Timing and temperatures may vary based on your equipment.

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees
• Add around 20 meatballs 
• Cook for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly brown on top

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in Pasta Sauce

• Pour your favorite sauce into a saucepan (like a marinara sauce or any tomato sauce)
• Add meatballs
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
• Reduce to a simmer and cover, cooking over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the center is hot

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Place some good frozen meatballs on the lined tray with some space between them
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, turning the meatballs 2-3 times 

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