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- 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs The main ingredients make these meatballs creamy and hearty. Ricotta adds moisture and flavor. Ground beef or turkey gives protein and texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, keeping them from falling apart. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced Parmesan cheese adds a tasty kick. The egg helps hold everything together. Garlic brings a lovely aroma and depth to the dish. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce Dried oregano and fresh basil give a classic Italian flavor. Marinara sauce adds richness and moisture. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on your time. These ingredients come together for a delicious meal. Each one plays a vital role in flavor and texture. I love how they create a balanced dish that everyone enjoys. {{ingredient_image_1}} In a large bowl, combine the main ingredients. You will need 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1 large egg, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of fresh basil. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined. You want a smooth and even mixture that holds together well. Now it’s time to form the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches in size. Aim for even shapes to help them cook uniformly. You can expect to make around 20 meatballs with this recipe. When handling the mixture, wet your hands with water. This helps prevent sticking. Keep your hands gentle to avoid compressing the meat too much. To cook the meatballs, start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil once the skillet is hot. Place the meatballs in the skillet in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. After browning, transfer them to a baking dish. Pour half of a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Carefully place the meatballs on top, then cover them with the remaining sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Add fresh parsley on top for garnish, and enjoy your delicious ricotta meatballs! Using ricotta cheese gives meatballs a creamy texture. It adds moisture and richness. When you mix ricotta with ground beef or turkey, it makes the meatballs soft. The key is balancing the moisture from the ricotta with breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs absorb extra liquid. This helps keep the meatballs from being too wet or too dry. Use about half a cup of breadcrumbs for one cup of ricotta. This balance makes a big difference. To brown meatballs well, heat your skillet to medium. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Use olive oil to coat the skillet. This helps the meatballs brown evenly. When you bake the meatballs, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes. This keeps them moist. After that, uncover them and bake for another 10 minutes. This helps brown the top and makes it look nice. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can chop a handful and sprinkle it on top. It brightens the dish. Other garnishes include grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. These simple touches make your meatballs look and taste even better. Pro Tips Keep It Moist: Adding ricotta cheese not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meatballs moist. You can also add a splash of milk to the mixture for extra tenderness. Perfectly Sized: Aim for uniform meatballs around 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and browning, making for a more appealing presentation. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh basil instead of dried can elevate the flavor significantly. If you can, try to incorporate fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste. Let Them Rest: After baking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more flavorful. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Ground turkey makes the meatballs lighter. It has a mild flavor and is a healthy option. Ground chicken is another choice. It is leaner than beef and adds a nice texture. If you want a vegetarian option, try using plant-based meat. There are many brands available now. These meats mimic the taste and texture of beef. You can still follow the same recipe and enjoy delicious meatballs. To enhance flavor, add different herbs or spices. Consider using thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. You can also try crushed red pepper for a kick. Each herb adds a unique taste to the meatballs. Incorporating cheese can also boost flavor. You can mix in mozzarella or feta cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and add creaminess. They will make your meatballs even more indulgent. You can use different types of sauces for your meatballs. Instead of marinara, try a creamy Alfredo sauce. A BBQ sauce gives a sweet and smoky flavor. Each sauce creates a different experience. Experimenting with homemade marinara can be fun too. You can adjust the spices to match your taste. Adding fresh tomatoes or herbs can enhance the sauce's flavor. Making your own sauce allows you to customize every bite. To keep your ricotta meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place the meatballs in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will last for about three to four days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in a skillet or microwave. You can freeze ricotta meatballs both before and after cooking. If freezing raw, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To cook frozen meatballs, bake them straight from the freezer. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time. If you freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely first. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until hot. Ricotta meatballs pair well with many dishes. Serve them over spaghetti or in a sub sandwich. They also taste great with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For sauces, marinara is classic, but you can try pesto or alfredo for a twist. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice touch, too. Enjoy exploring different combinations! To keep your meatballs moist, use the right ingredient ratios. A good mix is 1 cup of ricotta cheese to 1 pound of meat. Ricotta adds moisture and creaminess. Breadcrumbs help bind. Use about 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for 1 pound of meat. Cooking times also matter. Brown the meatballs for 5-6 minutes per batch on medium heat. This locks in juices. Then bake them at 375°F for 20 minutes, covered. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This ensures they cook without drying out. Yes, you can make ricotta meatballs ahead of time. It’s perfect for meal prep. Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. This saves space and keeps them fresh. For storage before cooking, keep raw meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cover them tightly to prevent drying. When ready to cook, follow the same steps as usual. Ricotta meatballs pair well with many sides. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with zucchini noodles. Garlic bread makes a great addition too. For drinks, a light red wine like Chianti complements the flavors. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness. It balances the richness of the meatballs. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! In this post, we explored ricotta meatballs, from main ingredients to cooking tips. Using ricotta cheese makes them moist and tasty. You learned about variations, like protein swaps and sauce types. Remember to properly store leftovers for the best taste. Try out different garnishes and sides to elevate your meal. With these steps, you can make delicious meatballs every time. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting in your kitchen!

Cheesy Ricotta Meatballs with a Twist

Delicious meatballs made with ricotta cheese and ground beef or turkey, served in marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • to taste olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
  • In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully place the browned meatballs over the sauce, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 70°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword Italian, meatballs, ricotta