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Level up your meatball game with the addition of ricotta cheese! These ricotta meatballs have the creamiest texture and turn out extra tender and juicy. The flavors are incredible and your family will beg you to make these every week!
If delicious meatballs are your thing then you’ve come to the right place! I love meatballs so of course I have some delicious recipes for you to try. Make these amazing Swedish meatballs, my baked turkey meatballs, and also these quick and easy air fryer meatballs!
What Are Ricotta Meatballs?
These homemade ricotta meatballs start with a traditional meatball recipe. Then a surprise ingredient steals the show. Adding ricotta to your meatballs will blow your mind! It adds creaminess and moisture that results in a tender and juicy meatball. You’ll also love the salty ricotta that enhances the meatball flavor.
Use these ricotta meatballs to make meatball subs. Simply fill a hoagie roll with provolone cheese, these ricotta meatballs, and marinara. Sandwiches are so easy to make, and I have a few favorites you have to try the next time you need to feed a crowd. My Cuban sandwich recipe is so easy, my slow cooker French dip sandwich is a great make-ahead option, and my meatloaf sandwich is out of this world!
Ingredients For Ricotta Meatballs
With how simple the ingredients are for these amazing meatballs, you’re definitely going to want them in your weekly dinner rotation! Their juicy, savory flavor will most definitely have you hooked. If you’re looking for ingredients, they can all be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Lean Ground Beef: Just one pound here.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use full-fat ricotta for the best flavor and results!
- Eggs: Eggs help add structure and bind the meatball mixture.
- Breadcrumbs: Give the texture and structure of the meatballs.
- Onion: Finely minced onion.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic always.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs brighten the flavors. I use fresh parsley and basil in this recipe.
- Italian Seasoning: Add delicious flavor using Italian seasonings.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Olive Oil: To cook and brown the meatballs.
- Homemade Marinara: Use jarred marinara or try my homemade recipe because it is fantastic!
Ricotta Meatball Recipe
It’s so easy! You’ll be able to whip up a batch of these in no time at all! If your family is anything like mine, then you may want to make a double batch. Homemade ricotta meatballs always fly off the table!
- Combine the Beef, Ricotta Cheese, and Eggs: To a large bowl, add the ground beef, ricotta cheese, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Mix the Breadcrumbs, Onion, Garlic, Herbs, and Seasonings: In a separate small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Breadcrumb Mixture to Meat Mixture: Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture and mix until everything is incorporated. Roll all the meatball mixture into about 1 ½ – 2 inch balls
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until all the meatballs are evenly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the Marinara Sauce and Simmer: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the sauce and meatballs over spaghetti, in sandwiches, with vegetables, or any way you prefer to enjoy meatballs.
Quick Tips and Cooking Options
Here’s an extra tip to help you craft the best homemade ricotta meatballs of all time! Your family won’t be able to get enough. Follow my instructions for cooking these meatballs in the slow cooker or instant pot to make dinner even easier.
- Mix Gently: When shaping your meatballs, if you pack them too tightly, they may turn out dense and rubbery once cooked. You don’t want to overwork them! I always like to use my hands to mix and shape my meatballs, this way I know exactly how much pressure I’m applying. A gentle hand is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth meatballs!
- Slow Cooker: You can make these meatballs in a slow cooker as well. After browning the meatballs on the skillet add them to the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cook the meatballs on high for 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Instant Pot: Brown your assembled meatballs right in the instant pot. Set it to saute, add the oil, and brown away. Add the marinara, seal the instant pot, and select the manual option. Set the cooking time for 15 minutes and you have perfect ricotta meatballs.
How Long Do Homemade Meatballs Last?
These ricotta meatballs stay juicy and moist and are perfect for leftovers. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Follow my instructions below for storing and also reheating leftovers.
- In the Refrigerator: In an airtight container, your homemade meatballs will last for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheating: Reheat these meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add more marinara if needed. You can also reheat these meatballs in the microwave until warmed through.
More Incredible Italian Recipes
We LOVE Italian food at our house! I have so many delicious recipes that you will definitely want to make for your family. Italian food is comforting and easy and makes everyone happy. And these recipes are guaranteed to do just that!
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Ricotta Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese full fat
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ yellow onion finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces Homemade Marinara
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the ground beef, ricotta cheese, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat mixture and mix until everything is incorporated. Roll all the meatball mixture into about 1 ½ – 2 inch balls
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until all the meatballs are evenly browned on all sides.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs in the sauce for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are thoroughly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the sauce and meatballs over spaghetti, in sandwiches, with vegetables, or any way you prefer to enjoy meatballs.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Adding the ricotta made these so soft and moist! I hate a dry hard meatball so these were absolutely delicious! 😋
The meatballs look delicious.
Can I bake them in the oven instead of
frying in oil?
Yes! Add your meatballs to a baking sheet and cook for about 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much is a serving?
The nutrition facts are per meatball, you can serve as many as you’d like!
These sound delicious. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes! That’s a great way to make the meatballs leaner.