Ricotta Meatballs
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of homemade ricotta meatballs, a delightful twist on a classic dish. These tender meatballs combine fresh ricotta cheese with ground beef, herbs, and spices for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, they can be served with pasta, in subs, or enjoyed on their own. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various cuisines, these ricotta meatballs are sure to impress your guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Gradually add bread crumbs while mixing lightly to maintain texture.
- Form small balls (1-2 inches in diameter) without packing too tightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per side).
- Optional: Transfer to marinara sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: For added flavor and nutrition, consider substituting ground beef with turkey or chicken or mixing in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Always let the mixture rest before cooking for optimal flavor infusion.