Frozen Meatball Brands Ranked From Worst To Best

Oh, meatballs — the spherical juicy orbs of meaty goodness have been a staple of the American diet forever. They're easy to cook, even easier to consume, and every bite will make your day just a little brighter. From spaghetti to subs, you can use this highly versatile food in any way imaginable — it doesn't even have to include meat.

As you thoughtfully peruse the freezer section at your local supermarket, you might realize that choosing the right brand of frozen meatballs can turn into an arduous task. The fact is, no two frozen meatball brands are made equal, and with so many options to pick from, you can't possibly try them all. There are factors to consider that you may not be able to glean just from reading the fine print on the back of the package.

The texture, flavor, seasonings, and the meat itself — they're all important. You might even wonder whether they are gluten-free. What you don't want is a case of mediocre frozen meatballs zapping the joy out of a dish you thought was going to be the best thing you'd eat all day. Once you read through our ranking, you'll be in and out of the frozen food aisle like a pro — meatballs in tow.

The Cooked Perfect Brand produces one thing: meatballs. This encompasses a variety of styles that may suit your fancy, like gluten-free, turkey, Swedish, Angus beef, homestyle, organic, and several others. The unfortunate reality is that they're all rather inadequate. It's going to be a hit-or-miss experience depending on which one you get, so you might have to try them all before you settle on one that appeals to your sensibilities.

These meatballs are a decent size, not too big and not too small, which is nice when it only takes a few to make you full. But the biggest offense is the taste and texture. The flavors are bland, lacking the flame-broiled char or any other distinct note that makes them stand out. They're especially dry and a bit rubbery, requiring you to drown them in sauce to make it worth your while. That puffed, spongy texture is unappetizing and not what most people want from a plate of meatballs.

There is some seasoning as a minor consolation, which isn't saying much because it's not all that great either. So the recommendation you might ask? Try them out for yourself if there's nothing better. Just beware, these leave much to be desired. They are not at all "cooked perfect" like the name suggests.

Rao's homemade pork and beef meatballs get brownie points for coming with their own marinara sauce. Despite the relatively lower rank on this list, they have a pleasant texture that's tender and juicy on the inside and lightly crispy on the outside. Inspired by the famous Rao's Italian restaurant in New York City, these don't exactly replicate the authentic experience one would get at the world-class eatery, but they do a good enough job emulating some of the tasty accents that made the restaurant so successful. 

Some people may not want their meatballs to come with a sauce, making this product somewhat limited in scope. If you prefer making your own sauce or like sauceless meatballs, this product may not be for you. Still, the sauce isn't all that prominent, as there isn't much of it when you consider the meatball-to-sauce ratio. Both components are relatively under-seasoned too, which is a bit unfortunate. You're probably gonna need to sprinkle on your favorite seasonings to make these really pop. These meatballs are on the larger side, so you'll probably get full with just a few of them. 

Sixty seconds — that's how long it takes to prepare this pleasantly seasoned Swedish meatball dish, served with a savory cream sauce over a bed of tender pasta. The Compleats brand by Hormel is a quintessential frozen meal that's both easy to prepare and requires minimal effort to enjoy. What's better than tantalizing your tastebuds on the go? Whether you need something fast before the kids get home from school or you've only got a 15-minute lunch break, you'll pat yourself on the back for having a few of these stored in your freezer.

Designed to be cooked in the microwave, the creamy sauce is delectable and perfectly complements the meatballs and pasta, adding a luscious, almost indulgent touch to the overall dish. The only problem, arguably, is the portion size. It is laughably small and anything but a complete meal. You're likely to be left feeling hungry after consuming this product, so you may want to add your own sides, like garlic bread or freshly cooked vegetables.

It's nowhere near hearty, but it's quick, effortless, and perfect for those late-night meal emergencies. Although this dish is more like a quick snack than a meal, at least it leaves you wanting more. Microwave yourself a portion and relax; the hard part is over. 

When the brand Impossible Foods came onto the scene in 2016, some people were a bit skeptical. With a variety of plant-based meat substitutes on offer, it was unclear whether these ostensibly healthier alternatives would make a splash in an already saturated food market. But they very much did. The Impossible plant-based meatballs provide a meat-like experience wrapped in a spherical concoction of soy protein. The result doesn't really taste like a classic meatball but is surprisingly enjoyable for what it is.

These vegan orbs of soy are highly versatile and can be enjoyed even by non-vegetarian consumers. The taste is phenomenal and the texture is appetizing without trying to replicate the flavor profile of a traditional meatball. This product maintains its lane and does it very well. With the right seasonings and sauces, you probably wouldn't even be able to tell these were Impossible meatballs.

They absorb whatever you throw at them like a sponge, so you can customize them however you like. The nutritional content is the most distinguished feature, with no cholesterol, artificial preservatives, animal antibiotics, and hormones. Have your fill without feeling guilty; the impossible is made possible.

It's easy to love Johnsonville's classic Italian-style meatballs, as each bite warms your belly and taste buds. The brand is known for its highly flavorful products, which can be bold to a fault for people who are hypersensitive to seasonings. A blend of garlic, spices, and other Italian-style seasonings helps elevate the experience of consuming these pork-based meatballs.

The breading adds a nice texture as you take a bite, creating a sponge effect for your gravy and sauces so you never have to worry about these meatballs being bland or unappetizing. While the breading may not appeal to everyone, you can't deny that the flavor is divine.

Because they're so well-seasoned, it takes some pressure off the preparation process. If you want to eat them as is, you can do that and your taste buds won't suffer for it — that's how you know you've got a great meatball. Anything else is just an optional enhancement, but it is wholly unrequired to relish the natural deliciousness that these meatballs have to offer. Without a doubt, Johnsonville knows its meatballs very well.

The one thing that can melt a foodie's heart is a dish that tastes homemade — just like their mom's cooking. Farm Rich's homestyle meatballs fit the bill. Yes, Farm Rich has appeared twice on this list, but that's because this brand's meatballs are consistently delicious. You really don't have to worry about the flavor changing for the worse. It's a familiar taste that's homely and comforting.

These frozen flame-broiled homestyle meatballs don't need anything extravagant or novel. The package serves exactly what you expect, and that's why Farm Rich has become a reliable brand for meatball aficionados and casual cooks alike. The texture is the best part of these meatballs and offers a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is one-of-kind and completely irresistible. Each bite is rich but also airy, making you feel lighter than a cloud. Be careful not to snack on these while you're cooking or they'll be gone before you know it.

Farm Rich, with its extensive history in the meatball game, has really excelled at dominating the frozen meatball market with a nigh-perfect recipe for scrumptious success. Eating one of these meatballs is like a warm hug from your mother, so treat yourself and enjoy the deliciously flavorsome embrace of these number-one-ranked homestyle frozen meatballs.