Freezer Prep Part 1: What to do with ground beef!

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 small onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch parsley (1/2 cup chopped)
• 1 and 1/2 cups unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, optional
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• For the Meat Sauce:
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
• ​1 (16 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• ​1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro or basil
• ​1 cup of water
• For the Turnovers:
• Meat Sauce
• 1 and 1/2 pounds phyllo, thawed and at room temperature
• ​1/2 pound unsalted butter, melted
• mozzarella cheese cut into chunks

Instructions

1. 1

   To Make the Meatballs:

2. 2

   Chop the garlic in the food processor until...: Chop the garlic in the food processor until minced. Add the parsley and pulse until finely chopped.

3. 3

   Add the onions to the food processor and...: Add the onions to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

4. 4

   Whisk the milk and egg together.

5. 5

   In a large mixing bowl, combine all of...: In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients and knead well to combine and evenly distribute everything.

6. 6

   Form golf-sized meatballs and place on a baking...: Form golf-sized meatballs and place on a baking tray. Transfer to the freezer until they are solid and then transfer them to freezer-safe bags. They will keep fresh for up to 3 months.

7. 7

   For the Meat Sauce:

8. 8

   ​Begin by combining the chopped onion and olive...: ​Begin by combining the chopped onion and olive oil in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until soft and golden. Add the grated garlic and warm through for a few seconds.

9. 9

   ​Add the ground beef and mix well over...: ​Add the ground beef and mix well over high heat.

10. 10

    ​Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper...: ​Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Mix to combine.

11. 11

    Pour the cup of water over everything and...: Pour the cup of water over everything and mix one more time.

12. 12

    ​Bring to a boil then reduce the heat...: ​Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to the consistency that you prefer. You may cook it longer if you like a more concentrated, thick meat sauce.

13. 13

    ​Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and cool completely....: ​Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

14. 14

    For the Turnovers:

15. 15

    Cut the phyllo in half while it is...: Cut the phyllo in half while it is still in the package. Alternatively, cut it into 3 pieces.

16. 16

    ​Keep a lightly damp towel with a dry...: ​Keep a lightly damp towel with a dry kitchen towel handy to keep the phyllo covered so that it does not dry out and crumble. Cover the phyllo first with the dry towel and then with the damp towel.

17. 17

    Layer 2 strips of phyllo drizzling each layer...: Layer 2 strips of phyllo drizzling each layer with some melted butter.

18. 18

    ​Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat sauce...: ​Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat sauce on the bottom and top with a few chunks of mozzarella. Fold flag style and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

19. 19

    ​Continue to do this until all of the...: ​Continue to do this until all of the meat sauce and phyllo is finished. This batch makes about 12 large turnovers. You can also make these small appetizer-sized like my Tiropita/Cheese Pie recipe.

20. 20

    Brush the top of each turnover with the...: Brush the top of each turnover with the melted butter.

21. 21

    Wrap with plastic and freeze up to 3...: Wrap with plastic and freeze up to 3 months.