Ricotta Meatballs

Ricotta Parmesan Meatballs. How to make the juiciest, moist meatballs made with creamy ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese. Sharing all of the tips for making the best ricotta meatballs.

I am obsessed with meatballs. Anytime I see them on a menu, I am so tempted to order them but many times, I end up disappointed. They are hard, tough, and way too dry.

I recently found a restaurant that served ricotta meatballs that were topped with creamy whipped ricotta and they were perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth. I knew that I had to recreate them at home.

This is an easy baked meatball recipe and everything is made in the oven in one skillet or a dutch oven. The meatballs are cooked in olive oil and then once they are just about fully cooked, the marinara sauce is added and the meatballs simmer in sauce to make them extra moist and flavorful.

I have shared recipes for Homemade Meatballs and Slow Cooker Meatballs on Modern Honey but since ricotta cheese is one of my favorite ingredients to use, I wanted to share a juicy meatball recipe using ricotta cheese to make them extra moist and tender. I have even shared a Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe but the beauty of these ricotta parmesan meatballs is that you can eat them by themselves in a big bowl or on a plate of spaghetti.

Ricotta Parmesan Meatball Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 80–85% lean is ideal for juicy meatballs. The slight extra fat (15–20%) keeps them moist. If you use 93% lean ground beef, the meatballs will be drier and less juicy.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole-milk ricotta is recommended for maximum creaminess. It adds the perfect amount of richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for added texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan Cheese. Pre-grated can work in a pinch but may have added fillers.
• Egg: This helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Garlic: Use finely minced garlic or garlic powder depending on preference.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the ground beef mixture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of spice to the meatballs.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce or making homemade marinara sauce. My favorite jarred marinara is Rao’s or Carbone’s sauce.
  

How to make Ricotta Meatballs:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
• Roll into 14-20 meatballs, depending on what size you would like to make them. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet or dutch oven, to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Place meatballs in the pan.
• For 1½-inch meatballs, bake 15–20 minutes. For larger 2-inch meatballs, bake 20–25 minutes. Meatballs are done when they are lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
• Carefully drain any grease or blot with a paper towel to remove some of the grease from the pan. Add marinara sauce into the pan with the meatballs and carefully stir to coat the meatballs (or spoon sauce on top).
• Bake for about 5 minutes longer or until the sauce is warmed and the meatballs are cooked through.
• Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil ribbons. May top with whipped ricotta as well for extra creaminess.

Easy Baked Meatballs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

1. Can I use leaner meat?

Yes, but 90%+ lean ground beef might produce drier meatballs. Add extra ricotta or drizzle a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.

2. Can I freeze these?

Absolutely. Par-bake or fully bake them, cool, and freeze. Reheat in sauce in the oven.

4. Why add egg to homemade meatballs?

Egg helps bind the mixture so the meatballs hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions:

What should I serve these ricotta parmesan meatballs with? You can put them on top of a bed of pasta, zucchini noodles, garlic bread or crusty rolls, or even on top of polenta.

• Pasta: Classic spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type of pasta with a side of extra marinara sauce.
• Zucchini Noodles aka Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash: This is a delicious lower-carb option.
• Meatball Subs: Tuck into crusty rolls with melted mozzarella. Here’s my popular recipe for homemade Meatball Subs.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta with parmesan cheese topped with meatballs is comfort on a plate.

What side dishes to serve with meatballs:

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread

Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

Pesto Caprese Salad

Italian Chopped Salad