These fluffy Ricotta Meatballs are a tasty twist on your regular meatballs! Made with creamy ricotta cheese, they’re super soft and packed with flavor. Yum!
I love serving these with spaghetti or just on their own! They’re so good, I can’t resist sneaking a few before dinner. Can you blame me? 😄
Making them is a breeze—just mix everything together, shape them, and bake! Dinner gets a lot easier and tastier with these delicious meatballs in the mix!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of your meatball! Lean ground beef is best to avoid excess grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess and moisture. You could swap it with cottage cheese for a different texture. Just blend it a bit to smooth it out.
Breadcrumbs: I like using plain breadcrumbs but you can also use Panko for a crunchier texture. If you’re gluten-free, try ground oats or almond flour instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings great flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works as a tasty substitution. Vegan Parmesan is an option to consider too!
Fresh Parsley: This adds brightness to the meatballs. Feel free to use dried parsley if fresh isn’t available; just use less since dried is more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The mixing step is crucial for meatball texture. To keep the meatballs juicy, mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Remember, the ricotta and egg add moisture!
- Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients; it’s the best way to feel the texture.
- Shape them into even-sized balls for even cooking.
- Bake them on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to stop sticking.
Letting them simmer in marinara sauce after baking is key to ensuring they soak up tons of flavor. This is when they really come alive!
How to Make Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time mixing the ingredients and forming the meatballs, followed by baking and simmering. Perfect for a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to get your meatballs nice and brown.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together just until it’s all combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake them for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. You can check one by cutting it in half to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
5. Heat the Marinara Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once your meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes. This helps them soak up all that wonderful flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your ricotta meatballs are now ready! Serve them hot, garnished with extra parsley on top. They are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with pasta, bread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a touch more ricotta or an extra egg to keep the meatballs moist.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different flavor and texture. If using cottage cheese, blend it first to smooth it out. For cream cheese, soften it slightly and mix it well with the other ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Prepare the Meatball Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance! Simply cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, shape them into meatballs and bake as directed. This will help the flavors meld together even more!
