Feed the Freezer - Bite-Size Soup Meatballs

This is one of my favorite 'feed the freezer' recipes. Like most of my recipes using ground meat, I use a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. Making these can be very time consuming, but having them in the freezer can actually be a big time 'saver'. I take a day that I have a lot of time, put on some good music, and pour a good glass of wine.

A soup can be put together in little time with these meatballs. They're also good in sauces for pasta and subs.

Soup Meatballs

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground turkey

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp instant minced onion

1tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp allspice

2 tsp seasoned salt

In large bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.

Shape into 3/4" balls; place on cookie sheets.

Bake in a 350' oven for 20 minutes.

Keep meatballs on cookie sheets and when they are cooled place sheets in freezer.

When meatballs are frozen solid place in freezer bag.

They will be individually frozen so you can take out and use as little or as much as needed.

Mexican Style Pizza

My local BJ's (Wholesale Club) has a large selection of McCormick spices and seasoning mixes in large, over-sized containers. This is how I buy my taco seasoning. I haven't actually broken down the price, but for less than $10.00 for a 24 oz container, the savings are much greater than buying the individual packages, even on sale and with coupons. If tacos and taco dishes are often on your menu, I highly recommend buying taco seasoning this way.
When making taco meat, I usually use a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. I'll make 2 or 3 lbs and freeze in 1/2 lb portions. One of these portions is enough for tacos one night and pizza the following night for me and the kids. (My husband's not a big taco fan so he fends for himself on taco nights). I also use this taco meat for soups, past dishes, and casseroles.
I've been making pizza with taco meat for a while now, but just recently found this recipe for a cornmeal pizza crust. It definitely adds something special.


Cornmeal Pizza Crust
1/2 cup yellow corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil

Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt; mix.
Make a well in the center and add water and oil.
Combine and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is elastic and shiny.
Makes 2 small (8 in.) or 1 large (12 in.) crust


Mexican Style Pizza
Cornmeal pizza crust (recipe above)
1/3 cup pizza sauce
1/3 cup salsa
1 cup shredded taco cheese
1/3 cup prepared taco meat.
1/4 cup sliced olives

Prepare crusts.
Combine pizza sauce and salsa; spread onto crust.
Top with cheese, taco meat and olives.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.