The Ultimate Ricotta Meatballs Recipe: Tender, Juicy & Irresistible

Ricotta breathes new life into classic meatball recipes, changeing a familiar comfort food into something extraordinary.

Soft and pillowy textures merge with rich, savory profiles that dance across your taste buds.

These delectable spheres promise a delightful departure from standard meat preparations.

Italian culinary traditions inspire this innovative approach to a beloved dish.

Creamy cheese interweaves with carefully selected meats, creating unexpected depth and complexity.

The result is a mouthwatering experience that elevates humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Each bite promises a journey of surprising flavors and textures.

Ricotta Meatballs (4 Ways!): The Ultimate Meatball Recipe

• Elevate Everyday Meatballs: This recipe transforms classic meatballs into a gourmet experience by adding creamy ricotta, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Quick and Versatile Protein: Packed with 28g of protein and ready in under an hour, these meatballs offer a nutritious meal that can be customized with four different preparation methods, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combining fresh herbs, Parmesan, and a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs deliver a complex flavor profile that elevates traditional comfort food with sophisticated Italian-inspired ingredients.
• Nutrient-Dense Meal Solution: Balanced with healthy fats, moderate carbohydrates, and significant protein, these meatballs provide a satisfying meal that supports nutritional goals without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.

Key Ingredients for Making Ricotta Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich and flavorful base for meatballs with good fat content for juiciness.
• Ground Turkey: Leaner alternative with lighter taste for health-conscious cooks.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to meatballs.
• Half-and-Half, Breadcrumbs: Creates tender, moist texture and helps hold meatballs together.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy texture and subtle richness to meatballs.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides deep, salty umami flavor to the meatballs.
• Onions, Garlic: Adds aromatic base and complex savory notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh herb flavor and green color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing rich cooking base.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic sauce for serving and adding extra moisture.

How to Make Ricotta Meatballs with Four Delicious Variations

Step 1: Prepare Herb Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with fresh herbs. Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onions for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 3: Create Meatball Blend

• 1 egg
• Half-and-half
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Prepared herb ricotta mixture

Stir in the cooled onion mixture. Add ground meat and season with salt and pepper. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape into uniform meatballs. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Cook and Serve Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides until golden. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, ensuring meatballs are cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Mastering the Art of Cooking Ricotta Meatballs

• Chill for Firmness: Refrigerate meatball mixture for 15 minutes to help them hold shape and prevent falling apart during cooking.
• Sauté Aromatics Perfectly: Cook onions and garlic slowly to develop rich, sweet flavors without burning, which can make the mixture bitter.
• Handle Meat Gently: Mix ingredients lightly and avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Use Even Size: Roll meatballs into uniform sizes to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Test for Doneness: Check internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee fully cooked meatballs while maintaining juicy, moist texture.

How to Keep Ricotta Meatballs Fresh for Enjoying Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth. Consume refrigerated meatballs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatballs stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce over medium-low heat. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety, then enjoy your perfectly warmed ricotta meatballs.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Ricotta Meatballs

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavor of the ricotta meatballs with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese. These medium-bodied Italian wines cut through the richness and enhance the herb-infused meat.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Create the perfect sidekick by toasting a crispy baguette with garlic butter. The bread's crunch and garlic notes will beautifully balance the tender, creamy meatballs.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast to the hearty meatballs. The salad's brightness will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Finish with Creamy Tiramisu: End the meal with a classic Italian dessert that echoes the ricotta's smoothness. The coffee and mascarpone flavors will round out the savory meatball experience with a sweet finale.

Fun Twists on Classic Ricotta Meatballs

• Spicy Southwest Meatballs: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture. Replace marinara with salsa verde and top with cilantro and queso fresco.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and mint into the ricotta mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta.
• Italian Pesto Meatballs: Mix basil pesto into the meat blend and use sun-dried tomato marinara. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan shavings.
• Scandinavian-Style Meatballs: Replace half-and-half with heavy cream, add nutmeg and allspice. Serve with lingonberry jam and creamy dill sauce instead of traditional marinara.

Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ricotta meatballs blend Italian tradition with creamy perfection, offering four delightful variations that elevate classic comfort cuisine. Juicy, herb-infused spheres of ground meat deliver a silky texture and rich flavor that will satisfy hearty appetites seeking authentic Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground chuck (80% lean)
• 0.5 pound ground beef (or sausage or veal)

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, whisked
• 0.5 cup half and half (can use cream)

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 0.33 cup roughly chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk ricotta cheese with fresh herbs in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant and creamy base for the meatballs, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine one large egg, half-and-half, fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and the prepared herb ricotta mixture. Fold in the cooled onion and garlic mixture.
4. Add ground meat to the mixture, using your hands to incorporate ingredients thoroughly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the meat.
5. Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
6. Heat a large skillet with a thin layer of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, creating a golden, crispy exterior, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, reducing heat to low. Simmer gently for 25-35 minutes, ensuring meatballs are cooked through and sauce is heated evenly.
8. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, accompanied by your preferred side dish.

Notes

• Prepare this versatile meatball recipe for unexpected dinner guests or cozy family meals.
• Maximize flavor by chilling the meat mixture, allowing spices to meld and develop rich, complex tastes.
• Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough meatballs, ensuring a tender, delicate texture with each bite.
• Customize the recipe by experimenting with different meats like ground turkey, beef, or pork blend.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish perfect for meal prep and quick lunches.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg