Description
These Ricotta Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy Italian meal. Made with a blend of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and classic seasonings, these meatballs are pan-fried until golden and then simmered in marinara sauce for a comforting dish that pairs well with pasta or polenta.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Olive oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Remove excess oil, then add marinara sauce to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with pasta, subs, or polenta.
Notes
- Ricotta adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs, resulting in a lighter texture.
- For a healthier option, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
