Ricotta Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
25 to 30 meatballs
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Ricotta Meatballs
Description
This recipe starts with blending ricotta cheese, egg, and minced garlic to form a creamy base for the meat mixture. Ground beef or turkey is added along with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs such as parsley and basil, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. The mixture is gently combined to keep the meatballs tender rather than dense.
The mixture is shaped into 1 to 2-inch meatballs with wetted hands to prevent sticking. They are browned in olive oil over medium heat until all sides develop a golden crust, which locks in juices and adds texture. Then marinara sauce is poured over the meatballs in the skillet; reducing the heat to low and covering cooks the meatballs through gently while infusing them with rich tomato flavor.
The meatballs can simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or longer to develop deeper flavor and tenderness. They are versatile for serving options, including as a sandwich filling, atop cooked pasta, over a salad, or alongside vegetables. Additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs can be sprinkled on top before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg large
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving
- ⅓ cup fresh herbs like parsley and basil, plus extra for topping, chopped
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Instructions
- Whisk the ricotta cheese, egg and garlic together in a large bowl until combined and somewhat smooth. Add in the ground beef, parmesan, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil and a big pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir the mixture together until just combined, using your hands to bring it together as needed.
- Wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into meatballs that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides - let them get golden and dark all around. Once browned, add the marinara sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring often, until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also simmer them longer over low heat on the stove. Or throw them in the slow cooker with sauce once they are browned.
- Serve in sandwiches, with pasta, over salads or with vegetables. Top with extra parmesan and herbs.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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