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Level up your meatball game by adding ricotta cheese! These ricotta meatballs have a creamy texture and are super tender and juicy. The taste is so incredible that your family will be begging you to make it every week.
If you like delicious meatballs, you’ve come to the right place. I love meatballs, so here are some delicious recipes. Make amazing Swedish meatballs, my turkey meatballs, and even easy air fryer meatballs!
What are ricotta meatballs?
These homemade ricotta meatballs start with a traditional meatball recipe. Then, the surprise ingredient steals the show. Add ricotta cheese to meatballs and you’ll be amazed! It adds creaminess and moisture, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs. You’ll also love the salty ricotta that brings out the flavor of the meatballs.
Make a meatball sub using these ricotta meatballs. Just fill hoagie rolls with provolone cheese, ricotta meatballs, and marinara. Sandwiches are very easy to make. We have some of our favorite sandwiches to try the next time you need to feed a crowd. My Cuban sandwich recipe is very easy. French dip sandwiches made in the slow cooker are perfect for making ahead of time. My meatloaf sandwich is out of this world.
Ingredients for ricotta cheese meatballs
The ingredients for these amazing meatballs are so simple that you’ll definitely want to include them in your weekly dinner rotation. The juicy and fragrant taste is sure to make you addicted. If you’re looking for ingredients, you can find them all in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Lean ground beef: Only 1 pound here.
- Ricotta cheese: For best flavor and results, use full-fat ricotta cheese.
- egg: The eggs add structure and help bind the meatball mixture.
- Bread crumbs: It gives the meatballs texture and structure.
- onion: Finely chopped onions.
- garlic: Fresh garlic anytime.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor. This recipe uses fresh parsley and basil.
- Italian seasonings: Add flavor with Italian seasonings.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Olive oil: Cook and brown the meatballs.
- Homemade marinara: Use jarred marinara or try my homemade recipe. Because it’s amazing.
ricotta meatball recipe
It’s that easy! You can make a large amount of these in no time. If your family is like mine, you may want to make double the amount. Homemade ricotta meatballs always fly off the table.
- Mix beef, ricotta cheese, and eggs. Add ground beef, ricotta, and eggs to a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Mix breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add breadcrumb mixture to meat mixture. Add breadcrumb mixture to meat mixture and mix until everything is incorporated.Roll all meatball mixture into approximately 1 1/2-2 inch balls
- Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs to skillet and cook until meatballs are evenly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Add marinara sauce to skillet and reduce heat. Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- serve: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Enjoy your meatballs any way you like, by pouring the sauce and meatballs over spaghetti, putting them in a sandwich, or serving them with vegetables.
Easy tips and cooking options
Here are some additional tips for making the best homemade ricotta meatballs ever. Your family won’t be able to get enough. To make dinner even easier, follow my instructions for cooking these meatballs in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Mix gently: When shaping the meatballs, if you pack them too tightly, they can end up dense and rubbery after cooking. You want to avoid overwork! I always like to use my hands to mix and shape the meatballs. That way you know exactly how much pressure you’re applying. The secret to making meatballs that melt with gentle hands!
- Slow cooker: These meatballs can also be made in the slow cooker. Once the meatballs are browned in the skillet, add them to the slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs. Cook the meatballs over high heat for 2 to 3 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Instant Pot: Bake the assembled meatballs directly in the Instant Pot. Sauté and add oil to brown. Add the marinara, seal the Instant Pot, and choose the manual option. Set the cooking time to 15 minutes and you’ll have perfect ricotta meatballs.
How long do homemade meatballs last?
These ricotta meatballs are juicy, moist, and perfect for leftovers. Enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week. To store or reheat leftovers, follow the instructions below.
- In the refrigerator: in airtight containerHomemade meatballs can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Inside the freezer: Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- to Reheat: Reheat these meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add more marinara if desired. These meatballs can also be reheated in the microwave until warmed through.
More great Italian recipes
Our family loves Italian food! There are many delicious recipes that you will want to make for your family. Italian food is comforting, easy, and makes everyone happy. These recipes are guaranteed to do just that.
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Add ground beef, ricotta, and eggs to a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
In a separate small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add breadcrumb mixture to meat mixture and mix until everything is incorporated.Roll all meatball mixture into approximately 1 1/2-2 inch balls
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs to skillet and cook until meatballs are evenly browned on all sides.
Add marinara sauce to skillet and reduce heat. Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the meatballs are completely cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Enjoy your meatballs any way you like, by pouring the sauce and meatballs over spaghetti, putting them in a sandwich, or serving them with vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
calorie: 84kcalcarbohydrates: Fivegprotein: 7gfat: FourgSaturated fat: 2gPolyunsaturated fats: 0.4gMonounsaturated fats: 2gTrans fat: 0.1gcholesterol: 35mgsodium: 283mgpotassium: 183mgfiber: 1gsugar: 1gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 3mgcalcium: 41mgiron: 1mg
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a rough guide.