Turn This Freezer Staple Into the Easiest Summer Dinner

If you are looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, here is something new to try: grilled meatballs! A freezer shortcut and this quick cooking method together offer a fresh take on a favorite meal that often requires a significant amount of time to prepare and simmer in a sauce. But, as you will see, grilling eliminates much of the work—and the result is just as tasty (and convenient) as a burger or sausage.

How to Grill Frozen Meatballs for a Fast, Simple Weekday Meal

Start with frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought) that have thawed just enough to let you skewer them. Using pre-soaked bamboo or reusable metal skewers, thread on the meatballs. It helps to push the skewer down into the meatball on a plate, rather than hold it in your hand (less risk of a stabbing injury).

On a preheated grill, cook for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your meatballs. If you are grilling precooked meatballs, they will take less time. You may need to take one off and cut it open to check if the center is pink. If you use a meat thermometer, the center should reach 165 degrees F.

While grilling, use a metal spatula to release, lift, and turn the meatballs gently so that they brown evenly on all sides. They can be fragile at this stage, so handle with care—but even if they fall apart, they're still delicious.

How to Serve Grilled Meatballs

If you choose to add sauce, which one to select will depend on how your meatballs are flavored (if at all). Plain ones may benefit from barbecue sauce, added at the end of grilling so it doesn't burn. If they have Asian seasoning, toss cooked meatballs with a sweet-and-sour glaze, add some sesame seeds and scallions for crunch, and serve with steamed rice. If they are Mediterranean-flavored, serve with tzatziki for dipping, stuff into a pita, or stir into a light tomato sauce with pasta.

You will find that grilling frozen meatballs is a refreshing change from the standard burger-and-hot-dog routine that so many of us get into during the busy summer months.