Heavenly Ricotta Meatballs Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Family Hit

Succulent and tender ricotta meatballs dance with classic Italian flavors that instantly transport you to a cozy trattoria.

These delectable bites blend creamy ricotta cheese into a perfectly seasoned meat mixture that guarantees mouthwatering results.

Every single morsel promises a rich, juicy experience that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in carefully balanced ingredients that create an irresistible texture and depth of flavor.

Fragrant herbs and high-quality ground meat elevate these meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve them over pasta, nestled in a robust marinara sauce, or enjoy them as a delightful appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to master a classic Italian recipe that promises to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 474 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients to Make Ricotta Meatballs

• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic powerhouses that build a deep, savory foundation for the meatballs, selecting fresh, firm cloves for maximum punch.
• Parsley, Dried Basil, Oregano: Herbal companions that infuse brightness and traditional Italian zest, choosing vibrant green leaves for maximum flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that elevates the meat's natural richness, ensuring balanced and complex taste profiles.

• Egg, Half and Half: Magical moisture makers that keep meatballs tender and prevent dryness, selecting farm-fresh eggs with bright, intact yolks.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Texture transformer that helps meatballs hold together and adds delightful crispness, picking fine, even-textured crumbs.

• Ground Chuck, Ground Pork: Meat duo creating luxurious texture and deep flavor, selecting high-quality meats with ideal fat content for juiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Creamy dairy heroes that add richness and subtle tang, choosing authentic, freshly grated varieties for maximum flavor complexity.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant sauce blanket that bathes meatballs in classic Italian comfort, selecting robust, well-seasoned sauce for perfect coating.

What Tools You Need to Shape & Bake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground meat, breadcrumbs, and herb ricotta mixture.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for finely chopping herbs and onions.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and browning meatballs.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet: Useful for chilling and arranging meatballs before cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Meatballs

• Herb Ricotta Blend

Create a zesty mixture with fresh herbs, creamy ricotta, and a hint of seasoning that will elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.

• Aromatic Base

Slowly caramelize onions and garlic in fragrant olive oil, releasing their sweet and savory essence to build a robust foundation for the meatballs.

• Meatball Formation

Gently combine ground meat with the herbed ricotta mixture, breadcrumbs, and sautéed aromatics, crafting tender and flavorful morsels that will melt in your mouth.

• Chill and Sear

Refrigerate the meatballs briefly to help them hold their shape, then carefully brown them in a hot skillet, creating a delicious golden crust that locks in moisture.

• Saucy Finale

Nestle the perfectly seared meatballs into a rich marinara sauce, allowing them to simmer and absorb the tomato’s bright flavors, then crown each with a luxurious dollop of creamy ricotta for a show-stopping presentation.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

• Tasty Texture Trick: Gently fold ricotta into meat mixture to keep meatballs extra tender and light without becoming dense or tough.
• Herb Swap Magic: Replace fresh herbs with dried versions using a 1:3 ratio, or experiment with parsley, basil, or thyme for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Shape meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze uncooked meatballs for quick future meals that save time during busy weeknights.
• Sauce Lover's Hack: Try different marinara styles like roasted garlic, spicy arrabbiata, or homemade tomato sauce to transform the dish's overall taste without changing core recipe elements.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko to make these meatballs accessible for people with wheat sensitivities while maintaining delicious texture and binding properties.

How to Serve Ricotta Meatballs Creatively

• Pasta Pairing Paradise: Serve these creamy ricotta meatballs over steaming al dente spaghetti or penne, letting the marinara sauce coat each pasta strand for a mouthwatering meal.
• Hearty Sandwich Sensation: Slice meatballs and nestle them into a crusty Italian roll with extra marinara and melted provolone cheese for a satisfying sandwich that'll make lunch extraordinary.
• Appetizer Elegance: Arrange meatballs on a beautiful platter with toothpicks, sprinkle with fresh basil, and create an irresistible party starter that guests will devour in minutes. Perfect for entertaining or game day gatherings.
• Salad Topper Delight: Slice meatballs and scatter them over a crisp mixed green salad, adding a protein-packed twist to your favorite leafy greens with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Store Ricotta Meatballs with Care

• Fridge Fresh Approach: Store ricotta meatballs in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Freezer Stash Strategy: Carefully place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen meatballs maintain top quality for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet with extra marinara sauce, stirring gently to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Microwave works for faster reheating, but can reduce tenderness.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Divide meatball batches into smaller containers before storing. This allows thawing only what you need, reducing waste and keeping remaining meatballs fresh for later enjoyment.

Creamy Ricotta Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-style ricotta meatballs combine creamy cheese with ground meat for a luxurious dinner solution. Savory herbs and delicate ricotta create a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground chuck (80% lean)
• 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) ground pork
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 32 oz (907 g) marinara sauce
• 1 egg, whisked
• 0.5 cup half and half
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup italian breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup roughly chopped parsley, plus more to garnish
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Herb Preparation: Finely chop herbs and blend thoroughly with ricotta cheese to create a fragrant, creamy mixture.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, releasing their sweet essence and developing deep flavor profiles.
3. Mixture Composition: Combine breadcrumbs, sautéed aromatics, and herbed ricotta in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even ingredient distribution and balanced texture.
4. Meat Integration: Gently fold ground meat into the mixture, maintaining a delicate touch to preserve tenderness and prevent protein compaction.
5. Meatball Formation: Craft uniform meatballs using moistened hands, creating smooth, round shapes that will cook evenly and hold their structural integrity.
6. Cooking Preparation: Preheat a heavy skillet with a thin olive oil layer, then carefully brown meatballs on all sides to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that seals in moisture.
7. Sauce Infusion: Introduce marinara sauce to the skillet, gently nestling browned meatballs into the vibrant liquid and allowing them to simmer, absorbing complex flavor nuances and cooking thoroughly.
8. Final Presentation: Garnish with delicate ricotta dollops just before serving, adding a luxurious, creamy finish that elevates the entire dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Herb-Blending Technique: Mix ricotta with finely chopped herbs thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor infusion and aromatic depth.
• Sautéing Secrets: Cook onions and garlic gently in olive oil until translucent to develop a sweet, mellow base for the meatball mixture.
• Meat Mixing Magic: Handle ground meat with a delicate touch to prevent tough, dense meatballs and maintain a tender, light texture.
• Chilling for Perfection: Refrigerate shaped meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape and develop a better sear.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 474
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg