Description
This Ricotta Meatballs recipe features tender and juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground chuck and pork, seasoned with classic Italian herbs and spices, and enriched with creamy ricotta cheese. Simmered in a savory marinara sauce and topped with a luscious herb ricotta mixture, these meatballs are perfect for a comforting family meal, served with pasta, crusty bread, or as a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Oil
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- ½ cup olive oil (divided)
Herb Ricotta Mixture
- 15 oz. Ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)
Meatball Mixture
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Egg (whisked)
- ½ cup half and half (can substitute cream)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb. ground chuck (80% lean)
- ½ lb. ground pork (or ground sausage or veal)
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Ricotta Mixture: Combine the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, parsley, 15 oz. ricotta cheese, and 1/3 cup chopped parsley in a bowl. Mix well and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, half and half, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the prepared herb ricotta mixture. Add the cooled sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and stir to combine.
- Add Meat and Season: Season the ground chuck and ground pork with salt and pepper. Add the meat to the large bowl with other ingredients and gently mix everything by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs and Chill: Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on a tray or plate. Refrigerate the meatballs for 15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring enough space between each to allow easy turning. Brown the meatballs for approximately 1 ½ minutes per side using kitchen tongs. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce in Skillet: Remove excess oil from the skillet, then pour in the marinara sauce. To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, add about ¼ cup of water (or slightly more if needed). Stir and heat the sauce over medium heat.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with marinara sauce. Spoon sauce over the meatballs and simmer partially covered over medium heat for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Remaining Herb Ricotta Mixture: With about 15 minutes left in cooking, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to dollop the remaining herb ricotta mixture on top of the meatballs. Allow the ricotta to warm through and integrate with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley. Serve the ricotta meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, bread, or as a standalone entrée.
Notes
- For a baking method, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes before simmering in sauce.
- Slow cooker method: After browning, transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Adjust sauce thickness with water as needed during simmering.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Make sure to chill meatballs before cooking to help them keep their shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: ricotta meatballs, Italian meatballs, meatball recipe, stovetop meatballs, ricotta cheese recipe, marinara meatballs
