Description
These Ricotta Meatballs are a flavorful and tender twist on classic Italian meatballs. Made with a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and a medley of herbs and spices, they’re perfect for serving with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Make Meatballs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix gently. Shape into 1 ½-inch meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Make Marinara Sauce: While meatballs are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Onion: Grating the onion adds moisture and helps it blend into the mixture.
- Cooking: Bake or air fry the meatballs according to your preference.
- Flavor: Simmering the meatballs in the sauce enhances their flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust herbs and spices to your liking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
