Ricotta Meatballs Recipe: A Creamy, Savory Delight.

Have you ever gathered around a table, laughing with friends and family? The smell of homemade meatballs fills the air. It’s a special moment, and ricotta meatballs make it even better.

These Ricotta Meatballs Recipe are a heartwarming part of Italian cuisine. They remind us of family, love, and comfort. Taking a bite, you feel a burst of flavors that warms your heart. Ricotta meatballs are a mix of tradition and new ideas, sure to be a hit with your family.

Key Takeaways

• Ricotta meatballs offer a unique creamy texture and savory flavor.
• This dish is a delightful blend of traditional Italian cuisine and modern twists.
• Homemade meatballs can elevate family meals and gatherings.
• Ricotta cheese enhances the moistness and richness of the meatballs.
• Perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions alike.

What Are Ricotta Meatballs?

Ricotta meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic dish. They use creamy ricotta cheese, which pairs well with ground meat. This makes the meatballs special, with a better texture and taste.

Understanding the Role of Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a fresh, creamy Italian cheese. It’s key in making flavorful meatballs. Unlike other recipes, ricotta adds a light, fluffy texture. This keeps your meatballs tender and avoids a greasy finish.

How Ricotta Enhances Meatballs

Adding creamy ricotta boosts the flavor of meatballs. It acts as a binder, mixing all ingredients well. Its mild taste lets spices and herbs stand out. Ricotta makes your dinner a hit, proving it’s easy to make tasty meatballs.

Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

Making ricotta meatballs at home is a fun and rewarding task. It’s even better when you use the best ingredients. This recipe is a family favorite that pairs well with Italian dishes. It’s sure to delight your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 32 oz. (946 ml) marinara sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil, divided

Herb Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 oz. (425 g) Ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, oregano, parsley

Meatballs:

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Egg, whisked
• ½ cup (120 ml) half and half (can sub cream)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup parsley, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, mustard powder, salt
• ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 1 lb. (450 g) ground chuck, 80% lean
• ½ lb. (225 g) ground pork or beef

Instructions

Here’s how to make delicious homemade meatballs:

1. Combine the Herb Ricotta mixture in a bowl and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and sauté the finely diced onion until softened for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix egg, half and half, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the herb Ricotta mixture. Add the cooled onions and garlic.
4. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the bowl. Gently mix until well-combined. Avoid overworking the meat.
5. Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
6. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 1 ½ minutes per side. Set aside.
7. Remove excess oil from the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Add water (about ¼+ cup) to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
8. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce on top, and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat, partially covered.
9. Use a small cookie scoop to dollop the remaining herb ricotta mixture on top during the last 15 minutes.
10.  Garnish with parsley and serve.Notes:
    For baking or crockpot methods, refer to the recipe notes.

Cooking Techniques for Savory Meatballs

Choosing the right cooking method is key to making tasty meatballs. You might wonder if baking or frying is better. Each method has its own perks that can boost your dish’s taste and texture. Knowing these options can help you make meatballs that are both flavorful and enjoyable.

Choosing Between Baking and Frying

Baking meatballs is great for a healthier meal because it uses less fat. This lets the meat’s natural flavors stand out. Frying, on the other hand, gives meatballs a crispy outside that many love. Your choice depends on what you like and your diet.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Texture

To get the right texture, mix your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. Mixing well keeps them soft. Adding breadcrumbs helps keep them moist and flavorful.

Also, adjust how long you cook them based on their size. This prevents them from drying out or getting too crumbly.

Serving Suggestions for a Family Favorite Recipe

Pairing your delicious ricotta meatballs with marinara sauce takes the dish to the next level. The homemade marinara sauce’s rich flavors complement the creamy meatballs perfectly. Making the sauce from scratch with a few ingredients lets the natural flavors shine.

Simmering the ricotta meatballs in the sauce makes them absorb all the flavors. This enhances your family favorite recipe even more.

Pairing With Marinara Sauce

Your homemade marinara sauce makes ricotta meatballs even more delightful. Start with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil for a classic base. Adding herbs like basil and oregano enriches the taste.

This combination provides a satisfying flavor profile and looks great when served together. Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce. Let them soak up the goodness while staying juicy and delicious.

Best Side Dishes to Consider

To make a memorable meal with your ricotta meatballs, try these side dishes:

• Garlic bread for a crispy texture.
• Caesar salad, adding freshness and crunch.
• Roasted vegetables offering vibrant colors and flavors.
• Polenta as a comforting and hearty side.

These side dishes enhance the meal experience and ensure a well-rounded plate. With ricotta meatballs as the main attraction, these pairings make any ordinary night special.

Ricotta Meatballs: Customization Options

Getting creative with your savory meatballs lets you make them your own. You can change them to fit your taste and dietary needs. Try new herbs and spices or swap out ingredients to make them special.

Adding Your Favorite Herbs and Spices

Flavorful meatballs are all about the right herbs and spices. Think about adding:

• Crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
• Fresh basil for a classic Italian flavor.
• Garlic powder for a savory kick.
• Parsley for freshness and color.

Playing with these options lets you create unique, tasty flavors in your meatballs.

Substituting Ingredients for Dietary Needs

Knowing about ingredient swaps means everyone can enjoy your ricotta meatballs. For those with dietary restrictions, here are some ideas:

These swaps keep your ricotta meatballs tasty while meeting dietary needs. Trying them out means everyone at your gathering will enjoy flavorful meatballs.

Conclusion

Ricotta meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re a family favorite waiting to happen. The ricotta cheese makes them moist and full of flavor. You can add your favorite herbs and spices to make them truly yours.

Making these meatballs is easy and fun. It’s a great way to bring your family together for a delicious meal. You can try different things each time, making every meal special.

Don’t be afraid to try new things with ricotta meatballs. They’re great with marinara sauce or as a side dish. Every bite is a delight, making mealtime even more special.

If you enjoy homemade meatballs, don’t miss out on other cozy favorites like our mac and cheese meatloaf casserole or Philly cheesesteak meatloaf. Whether baked or pan-fried, the right cooking method brings out the best in every bite.

Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

Treat yourself to a comforting and flavorful bite—try this delicious Ricotta Meatballs recipe that's tender, cheesy, and full of rich Italian goodness!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 32 oz. 946 ml marinara sauce
• ½ cup 120 ml olive oil, divided
• Herb Ricotta Mixture:
• 15 oz. 425 g Ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon EACH: dried basil oregano, parsley
• Meatballs:
• 1 yellow onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Egg whisked
• ½ cup 120 ml half and half (can sub cream)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup 50 g Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup parsley roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning mustard powder, salt
• ½ teaspoon Pepper
• 1 lb. 450 g ground chuck, 80% lean
• ½ lb. 225 g ground pork or beef

Instructions

 

• Combine the Herb Ricotta mixture in a bowl and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and sauté the finely diced onion until softened for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, mix egg, half and half, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the herb Ricotta mixture. Add the cooled onions and garlic.
• Season the meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the bowl. Gently mix until well-combined. Avoid overworking the meat.
• Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 1 ½ minutes per side. Set aside.
• Remove excess oil from the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Add water (about ¼+ cup) to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
• Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce on top, and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat, partially covered.
• Use a small cookie scoop to dollop the remaining herb ricotta mixture on top during the last 15 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Notes:
For baking or crockpot methods, refer to the recipe notes.

Keyword Homemade meatballs, italian cuisine, ricotta meatballs, savory meatballs