Brown Sugar and Coconut Body Scrub Exfoliates 
Get The Product!There’s something irresistibly delightful about biting into a warm, cheesy morsel of ricotta meatballs. The creamy ricotta mingles with savory herbs and spices, creating a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: tender meatballs rolling around in a rich marinara sauce, releasing heavenly aromas that fill your kitchen, making everyone wandering nearby suddenly hungry.
I remember the first time I made ricotta meatballs; I had friends over for dinner, and the anticipation was palpable. As soon as those meatballs hit the oven, my friends couldn’t help but hover around the kitchen, their noses leading the way. The giggles and chatter erupted as we all eagerly awaited our cheesy feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ricotta meatballs are incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
- Their flavor is rich yet comforting and pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread
- Plus, they look stunning on any dinner table with their golden-brown exterior and vibrant sauce
- These meatballs are versatile enough to enjoy as an appetizer or a main dish!
I will never forget the looks on my friends’ faces when they tasted my homemade ricotta meatballs. They were practically licking their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich, it adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs. Go for whole milk ricotta for the best results.
-
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a juicy texture without excess grease; it balances beautifully with the ricotta.
-
Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely, it adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor that brightens each bite.
-
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
-
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances flavor depth while providing a satisfying saltiness that complements the dish perfectly.
-
Eggs: These bind everything together beautifully while adding richness; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
-
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help absorb moisture and provide structure to the meatballs.
-
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make ricotta meatballs
Let’s dive into transforming these simple ingredients into mouthwatering ricotta meatballs.
Prepare Your Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop for uniformity), form small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. This is where you can let loose; shape them however you like!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting for it to heat up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Bake Those Meatballs!: Place your shaped meatballs evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Simmer in Sauce: While your meatballs bake away happily in their oven haven, pour marinara sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Once bubbly, gently add baked meatballs and simmer them for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy!: Serve your flavorful ricotta meatballs hot over pasta or alongside fresh bread. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired and garnish with more parsley.
These steps guide you to making delightful ricotta meatballs that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them! Cooking should be fun; enjoy every moment as you create this delicious dish!
You Must Know
- Ricotta meatballs are rich and tender, making them a delightful twist on classic meatballs
- Pair them with marinara or serve over pasta for a comforting meal
- Their creamy texture will surprise your taste buds, leaving everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing ricotta with ground meat and seasonings. Form into balls, then bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. This method ensures even cooking and keeps the meatballs moist and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experimenting with cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan can also elevate flavor profiles to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ricotta meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make perfect ricotta meatballs, don’t skip draining excess moisture from the ricotta
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for vibrant flavor
- Lastly, avoid over-mixing to keep them tender and light
Creating my first batch of ricotta meatballs was an adventure! I remember my friend’s face when they took their first bite—priceless!
FAQ
What is the best way to prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure you use enough binding agents like breadcrumbs or eggs in your mixture.
Can I freeze ricotta meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them before cooking; just thaw before baking.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Delicious Ricotta Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of homemade ricotta meatballs, where creamy ricotta blends seamlessly with tender ground beef and fresh herbs. These meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, served over pasta or alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal. With a golden-brown exterior and a mouthwatering marinara sauce, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (1-2 inches in diameter) using your hands or an ice cream scoop.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, simmer marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once bubbly, add the baked meatballs and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot over pasta or with fresh bread; drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
