If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and indulgence, these Ultimate Creamy Ricotta Meatballs are the answer. With a blend of tender meats and the creamy richness of ricotta, these meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. They’re easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite, offering a delightful twist on a classic that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, an egg, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth.
- Add ground beef, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until just combined, using your hands if necessary.
- Wet your hands slightly and shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they are golden and dark.
- Once the meatballs are browned, add marinara sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are cooked through. Alternatively, transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker with sauce to simmer.
- Serve the meatballs in sandwiches, alongside pasta, on salads, or with a side of vegetables. Finish with extra parmesan and herbs if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
- Marinara sauce, for simmering and serving
- Additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I prepare the ricotta meatballs in advance?
- Absolutely! These meatballs are excellent for making ahead. You can prepare them, flash freeze them, and store them in a resealable bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen in a slow cooker with sauce or defrosted and then seared and baked.
- What is the secret to making these meatballs so tender and moist?
- The key is the addition of ricotta cheese. Whisking the ricotta with egg before mixing it with the other ingredients ensures it is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture, keeping the meatballs incredibly tender and moist.
- How can I serve these ricotta meatballs?
- These versatile meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for sandwiches, served with pasta, over salads, or even as a main dish accompanied by vegetables like parmesan roasted broccoli.
- Are these meatballs suitable for freezing?
- Yes, they freeze very well. You can flash freeze the meatballs and store them in a resealable bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen in a slow cooker or defrosted and reheated as desired.
- What ingredients are essential for these ricotta meatballs?
- Key ingredients include ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, ground beef, parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These combine to create the flavorful and tender texture of the meatballs.
Tips
- Ensure Even Distribution of Ricotta: Before combining all ingredients, whisk the ricotta with the egg and garlic in a large bowl. This step helps to evenly distribute the ricotta throughout the meat mixture, resulting in consistently tender meatballs.
- Efficient Freezing Technique: To have meatballs ready for future meals, flash freeze them first. Once frozen, store them in a resealable bag. This allows you to easily cook them from frozen in a slow cooker with sauce, or defrost and bake as needed.
- Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in sandwiches, with pasta, or over salads. They’re also excellent when served as a main dish alongside vegetables, like parmesan-roasted broccoli.
- Perfect Browning Method: To achieve a golden and dark exterior, brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet over medium heat before adding marinara sauce. This step enhances their flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – for browning the meatballs and simmering them in marinara sauce.
- Slow Cooker – an optional item for cooking the meatballs over a longer period with sauce.
- Whisk – for mixing the ricotta cheese, egg, and garlic together until smooth.
