Here are four tasty ways to make ricotta meatballs for different flavors and occasions! Each recipe includes ricotta for an extra tender, creamy texture.
1. Classic Italian Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until just mixed.
- Form Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Toss in marinara sauce and serve with pasta or bread.
2. Spinach and Ricotta Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped spinach (squeezed dry)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine turkey, ricotta, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Form Meatballs: Roll mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, until golden.
- Serve: These meatballs pair well with a light tomato sauce or over a bed of greens.
3. Herbed Ricotta Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Zest
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (or thyme/rosemary mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended.
- Form Meatballs: Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Serve: These meatballs are delicious with a light lemon-butter sauce or tossed in pesto.
4. Spicy Ricotta Meatballs with Red Pepper Flakes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more, for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Form Meatballs: Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve: Toss in a spicy marinara sauce or serve with a side of garlic bread.
Each variation is easy to make and brings its own delicious twist to traditional meatballs!