Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!
There’s something truly special about meatballs. They’re a comforting, hearty dish that can easily become the highlight of any dinner. When you add ricotta cheese to the mix, you take the classic meatball to a whole new level of deliciousness. Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs! are soft, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at your next gathering. Let’s dive into the mouthwatering details!
The Upside of Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!
These meatballs are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture that elevates them beyond your typical meatball. Here are some benefits of making our favorite recipe:
- Flavorful: The combination of herbs and spices infuses the meatballs with vibrant flavors.
- Texture: The ricotta cheese provides a moist, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile: These meatballs can be served in various ways; over pasta, in a sub, or on their own with a side salad.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
What Goes Into Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!
Creating our favorite ricotta meatballs requires just a handful of ingredients that come together to create a delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley and basil), plus extra for topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Equipment Breakdown
Before you get started, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the meatballs evenly.
- Cooking Spoon: For mixing the ingredients well.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you’re using the correct amounts.
- Oven: To cook the meatballs to perfection.
- Large Pot: For simmering the marinara sauce.
Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!, Made Easy
Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to make Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup of chopped fresh herbs, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Once the mixture is ready, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Step 5: Heat the Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, pour 24 ounces of marinara sauce into a large pot and heat over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the pot with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with more parmesan cheese and fresh herbs!
What to Use Instead
If you find yourself without some of the ingredients, or simply wish to make substitutions, here are a few options:
- Ground Beef/Turkey: You can use ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese can be a good alternative if you’re looking for a lower-fat option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be substituted, but use half the amount.
Chef’s Rationale
When crafting Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!, the goal is to achieve a balance of flavor and texture. The ricotta cheese adds moisture that prevents the meatballs from being dry, while the combination of herbs and garlic creates a robust flavor that brings the dish to life. Additionally, baking the meatballs rather than frying them minimizes excess oil and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your meal.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To ensure your meatballs stay fresh and delicious, consider the following tips:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat meatballs in a pot with marinara sauce or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply form the meatballs and bake them as directed.
What should I serve with my ricotta meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti, zoodles, or can be served in a sub sandwich for a delicious meatball sub. A side salad or garlic bread also complements the dish nicely.
Are these meatballs spicy?
No, our favorite ricotta meatballs are not spicy. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to create Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Happy cooking!
Our Favorite Ricotta Meatballs!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, ground beef or turkey, grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried basil. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Form the Meatballs - Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Bake the Meatballs - Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 5: Heat the Marinara Sauce - While the meatballs are baking, pour marinara sauce into a large pot and heat over medium heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve - Transfer the meatballs to the pot with the marinara sauce and stir to coat. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with more parmesan cheese and fresh herbs!
Notes
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat meatballs in a pot with marinara sauce or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
