Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs. Ground beef offers a rich, savory flavor and is the perfect match for the cheeses and seasonings. A blend of beef and pork adds extra richness if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
Ricotta Cheese: The secret to their soft, moist texture. Ricotta gives the meatballs that creamy, delicate bite that’s hard to resist. It’s the same magic you’ll find in lasagna, bringing richness without overpowering the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the beef and ricotta beautifully. It enhances the meatballs with a depth of flavor that brings them to the next level.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the ingredients together and help form the meatballs’ shape. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are my personal favorite, but you can go plain if you prefer a more neutral taste.
Egg: The binding agent that holds everything together. Without the egg, your meatballs may crumble apart, so don’t skip it!
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor and makes the meatballs truly aromatic. Feel free to add more if you love garlic as much as I do!
Dried Oregano & Basil: These two classic Italian herbs bring that fresh, Mediterranean flavor that instantly transports you to an Italian trattoria.
Salt & Black Pepper: These essential seasonings bring out the best in all the other ingredients, ensuring that the meatballs are flavorful without being too overwhelming.
Marinara Sauce: A rich marinara sauce is the perfect accompaniment, enveloping the meatballs in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that enhances the flavor and adds moisture.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing finish to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
Mozzarella Cheese: Optional, but if you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), adding mozzarella on top gives the meatballs an irresistible, melty finish.
Ingredients List
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned preferred)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Mozzarella cheese, for topping (optional)
Servings: About 4-6
How to Make Ricotta Meatballs
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for the meatballs.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Simmer with Marinara: While the meatballs bake, heat your marinara sauce over medium heat in a large skillet.
Combine: Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully transfer them to the skillet with marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Add Cheese: For a cheesy touch, sprinkle mozzarella on top of the meatballs and cover the skillet to melt the cheese. It’s optional, but it makes them extra indulgent!
Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve. You can enjoy these meatballs on pasta, inside a sandwich, or on their own.
Tips and Twists for Ricotta Meatballs
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
Healthier Option: Substitute half of the ground beef with lean turkey or chicken to cut down on fat while still keeping them delicious.
Freezer-Friendly: These meatballs freeze well! Just freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a container for easy storage.
Is Ricotta Meatballs Good for You?
While they are indulgent, there are health benefits to be had from the ingredients:
Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Ricotta Cheese: Lower in fat than many other cheeses, it provides calcium and protein.
Garlic: Known for its heart-health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
Breadcrumbs: Choose whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
Though these meatballs aren’t the lightest dish, you can tweak the recipe for a healthier version. Either way, they’re delicious comfort food that’s perfect for sharing!
These Ricotta Meatballs are bound to impress, whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests. With the perfect blend of creamy ricotta, savory beef, and a touch of mozzarella, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them today!
