5.0 from 21 votes
Ricotta Meatballs
Ricotta Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese. Simmered in a rich marinara sauce, they're perfect over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6
Calories: 699 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion finely chopped, or grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs plain
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
For Marinara Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can also air fryer them for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the meatballs are done cooking, gently place them into the simmering marinara sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to coat them.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. If desired, you can add dollops of additional ricotta cheese on top of the meatballs and let them melt slightly.
- Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the ricotta meatballs hot, either on their own, over pasta, or with crusty bread on the side.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Don't Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients until just combined to keep them tender.
- Grate the Onion: Grating the onion adds moisture to the meatballs and helps it blend seamlessly into the meat mixture.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Bake or air fry the meatballs depending on your preference.
- Simmer in the Sauce: Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce enhances their flavor and keeps them nice and juicy.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you'd like.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
699kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
26g
(9%)
Protein
40g
(80%)
Fat
49g
(75%)
Saturated Fat
21g
(105%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
Monounsaturated Fat
20g
Trans Fat
0.3g
Cholesterol
185mg
(62%)
Sodium
1100mg
(46%)
Potassium
1032mg
(29%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
1121IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
21mg
(23%)
Calcium
322mg
(32%)
Iron
6mg
(33%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 699
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 699kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 49g | 75% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 1100mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 1032mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1121IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 322mg | 32% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.