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Can I Refrigerate Chili Lime Meatballs Instead of Freezing Them?

In summary, to make the chili lime meatballs, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt together and form into small meatballs. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by changing the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne pepper. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. They can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or used in various dishes like tacos or wraps.
kam
kam
Staff member
3,659
The recipe states:

Make ahead:
Meatballs can be cooked and frozen 3 days in advance. To reheat, place frozen meatballs in Skillet, with 1/4 cup water. Cover; heat 7-8 min or until hot.

Can anyone think of a reason I couldn't cook the meatballs 1 day ahead and just refrigerate them??? Trying to figure out why they recommend freezing. Any foodies out there who might know?
 
I would think that you definitely could. right now I have chicken meatballs in the frig, since Thursday and they will be finished off tomorrow. Maybe to be on the safe side, they say that IF you make them 3 days ahead, might want to freeze them to make sure they are fresh.
 
Hi there! I am not a professional chef, but I do enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. From my understanding, the reason for freezing the meatballs instead of just refrigerating them is to prevent any potential bacterial growth. Freezing the meatballs ensures that they stay fresh and safe to eat for a longer period of time. Refrigerating them for just one day may not have the same effect and could potentially lead to foodborne illness. However, if you are confident in your cooking methods and storage techniques, you could try refrigerating them for one day and see how they turn out. Hope this helps!
 

1. How do I make the chili lime meatballs?

To make the chili lime meatballs, you will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and form into small meatballs. Then, bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

2. Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of ground beef for the chili lime meatballs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How spicy are these meatballs?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder in the recipe. If you like it spicier, you can add more chili powder or even add a dash of cayenne pepper.

4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before baking them. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

5. What are some serving suggestions for the chili lime meatballs?

The chili lime meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish with rice or noodles. You can also use them in tacos, wraps, or on top of a salad. The possibilities are endless!

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