Ricotta Meatballs
Ricotta meatballs are a delightful twist on classic meatballs, combining the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with ground meat for a tender and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Use fresh ricotta for best flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey You can also use ground chicken or pork.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving
- Marinara sauce For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
Cooking
- To cook on the stove top, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides before adding marinara sauce.
- For the crock pot, place meatballs in the slow cooker and cover with marinara sauce. Cook on low for 360-480 minutes.
- For oven baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Serving
- Serve with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with spaghetti, polenta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For added flavor, try using a mixture of ground meats, adding crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, or incorporating grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra moisture.