Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
published Sep 23, 2015
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Whether they’re made with beef, pork, lamb, or turkey, meatballs are supremely satisfying and have a way of making dinner more comforting. While they can certainly be made during the week, I prefer to make a big batch on Sunday afternoon. I tuck some away in the freezer, and pop the rest in the fridge to reheat for dinner.
When reheating meatballs, it’s important to remember you don’t want to actually cook them any further; they just need be heated to the point where they’re warmed through, so as not to dry them out.
When it comes to the best method for reheating, you have two options.
1. The best way to reheat meatballs WITH sauce.
If you plan to serve the meatballs with sauce or gravy, reheat them on the stovetop with the sauce or gravy they’ll be served with. Combine the meatballs and sauce in a pan and cook over low heat until the meatballs are warmed through. The timing is dependent on how many meatballs you’re heating. If it’s just a few, it should take about 10 minutes, with more meatballs adding more cook time. Not only is this a gentle way to reheat your food, but the sauce or gravy will keep the meatballs from drying out and add a little more flavor.
2. The best way to reheat meatballs WITHOUT sauce.
If you don’t plan to serve the meatballs with sauce or gravy, reheat them in the oven at 300°F. Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, then cover them with foil to prevent drying, and heat until warmed through. Again, the time will vary based on how many meatballs you’re reheating, but plan for at least 15 minutes for a small batch.
