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Ricotta Meatballs

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Ricotta Meatballs made with ground chuck, pork, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and Italian herbs simmered in rich marinara sauce. These tender, juicy meatballs are the ultimate Italian comfort food dinner.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 43 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Sauce

32 oz. marinara sauce

½ cup olive oil (divided)

For the Herb Ricotta Mixture

15 oz. ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Meatballs

1 yellow onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg, whisked

½ cup half and half (or cream)

½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup roughly chopped parsley (plus more to garnish)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 lb. ground chuck (80% lean)

½ lb. ground pork (or ground sausage or veal)

Instructions

Prepare Herb Ricotta: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine egg, half and half, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the herb ricotta mixture. Stir in the cooled onion and garlic.

Add the Meat: Season ground chuck and pork with salt and pepper. Add to the bowl and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.

Form Meatballs: Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the meatballs halfway. Brown in batches for about 1½ minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Prepare Sauce: Carefully remove excess oil from skillet. Add marinara sauce and about ¼ cup water to prevent over-thickening. Stir well.

Simmer: Return meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Cover partially and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.

Finish with Ricotta: During the last 15 minutes, use a small scoop to dollop remaining herb ricotta mixture over the meatballs. Allow to heat through.

Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Refrigerating meatballs helps them stay intact while browning.

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning.

For baking method: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes before simmering in sauce.

These freeze well for up to 3 months.