If memory serves me correctly, this batch of meatballs was from a five pound chub priced at $1.25 per pound at Aldi. It was a manager's special. This is the type of thing that readers know I jump on. It took a couple of extra hours out of my day to prepare this -- I baked them low and slow at 175 degrees.
These were immediately sectioned off into three portions in freezer-safe bags. Using a straw, I sucked as much air out as possible. Two packages went to camp and made three or four dinners -- for us and guests! For the sauce, I took a large box of tomato puree and a small jar of basil pesto, dumped it in the crockpot, stirred in the meatballs along with a little EVOO, then let it go all day. Each ingredient, including the bag of spaghetti was a buck a piece. That meant feeding four people for about five bucks...total.
The glop that drained off the meatballs as they cooked was pretty ugly. That didn't mean it wasn't useful! There was flavorful fat in that mess.
The grease which was strained off has been used in other cooking projects. It works great to coat meat that's been bagged for use in the sous vide. One big plus, is this kind of grease lasts a very very very long time in the fridge.
There were gloppy solids left after straining the grease that we would have no use for -- so the pup was allowed to lick the sheet clean. That maked it a lot easier for me to wash!
Keeping an eye out for bargains like this might seem as if it's too much work, but it pays off not only in price savings -- but it saves time on days you need to pull off a quick and cheap meal. Look now and save money, cook now and save time!
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