Name: Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

These Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful twist on classic Italian meatballs. The addition of ricotta cheese creates a wonderfully tender and moist texture, while a blend of herbs and spices adds a depth of flavor. These meatballs are baked or air-fried to perfection, then simmered in a rich marinara sauce for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender and Flavorful: The ricotta cheese adds a wonderful lightness and moisture to the meatballs, while the blend of herbs and spices creates a delicious and savory flavor.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these meatballs are a breeze to prepare.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course over pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Ricotta Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

Lean ground beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef.
Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, adds a savory depth of flavor.
Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together.
Onion: Finely chopped or grated, for flavor and moisture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Italian breadcrumbs: Plain, helps bind the meatballs and adds a light texture.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor.
Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Marinara Sauce:

Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
Onion: Finely chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds a rich tomato flavor and texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Ricotta Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped or grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can air fry them at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, heat the 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 to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. 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 during the last few minutes of simmering to allow them to melt slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the ricotta meatballs on their own, over pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
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 and equipment.
Simmer in the sauce: Simmering the meatballs in the sauce enhances their flavor and keeps them moist.

How to Serve Ricotta Meatballs

Appetizer: Serve the Ricotta Meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers for easy dipping.
Main Course: Serve them over your favorite pasta with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Side Dish: Enjoy them as a flavorful side dish with grilled meats or vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats for the meatballs.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

Can I make this dish without the sauce?

Yes, you can simply bake or fry the meatballs and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or pesto.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mixture of lentils and vegetables for the meatballs.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Ricotta Meatballs that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!