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Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

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!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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