Description
Mouthwatering Ricotta Meatballs bring Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with a creamy, tender twist. Hearty protein meets delicate cheese in this simple yet elegant dish that promises to delight dinner companions and satisfy serious hunger cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
Dairy:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Binders:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gently combine ground beef, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Using clean hands, carefully craft uniform meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, placing them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Position oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400F (200C), allowing complete preheating before introducing meatballs.
- Slide baking sheet into the heated oven and roast meatballs for 20-25 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), confirming meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.
- Remove meatballs from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with warm marinara sauce, serving over pasta, nestled in a sub roll, or presented as a delectable appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure gentle mixing prevents tough meatballs by avoiding overworking the meat mixture.
- Choose lean ground beef around 80/20 ratio for optimal moisture and flavor balance.
- Keep meatball sizes consistent using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon for uniform cooking.
- Store leftover meatballs in airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg