Best 10 Meatballs With Ricotta Recipes

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Meatballs with ricotta are a savory and delightful dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These tender and juicy meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and ricotta cheese, resulting in a flavorful and moist texture. Served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments, this classic dish has become a staple in many households. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weekday meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, meatballs with ricotta are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS WITH RICOTTA



Spaghetti and Meatballs with Ricotta image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 29

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 small Spanish onion, finely grated
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
2 large eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces ground chuck (80/20)
8 ounces ground pork (80/20)
4 to 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small Spanish onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Pinch of red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of sugar, if needed
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Fresh ricotta, for garnish
Parmesan, for grating on top
Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish
Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and cook until soft, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • Whisk together the Parmesan, parsley, oregano, eggs, 3 tablespoons cold water, the sauteed garlic and onions and some salt and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add the chuck and pork and gently mix together until combined. Begin adding breadcrumbs a few tablespoons at a time until the mixture just holds together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. The longer you let the mixture sit, the more the flavor develops.
  • For the fresh pasta: In a food processor, combine the flour and eggs. Pulse until it comes together as a dough. Remove and knead until smooth. Let rest for at least 30 minutes.
  • For the tomato sauce: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Increase the heat to high, add the tomatoes and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning (adding a pinch of sugar if needed) and stir in the basil.
  • Form the meatball mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Heat the remaining 1 cup of oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the meatballs and fry until golden brown on all sides.
  • Add the meatballs to the sauce, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the meatballs have cooked through and the sauce has thickened more, about 15 minutes longer.
  • To cook the pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
  • Roll out the dough in portions using a pasta roller. Cut out spaghetti using a pasta cutter and place the fresh pasta on a tray lined with parchment.
  • Boil the pasta until al dente, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss the pasta with some of the warm sauce and a little bit of pasta water in a saute pan.
  • Transfer the sauced pasta to a platter and top with the meatballs (using a slotted spoon). Ladle the remaining tomato sauce over the spaghetti and meatballs. Dollop ricotta on top and grate lots of Parmesan over the top. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and parsley leaves.

ITALIAN COCKTAIL MEATBALLS WITH HERBS AND RICOTTA



Italian Cocktail Meatballs with Herbs and Ricotta image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h35m

Yield about 50 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 18

3/4 pound ground pork
3/4 pound ground turkey
4 ounces (1/2 cup) whole milk ricotta
1/3 cup minced flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 medium onion, grated (about 1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons finely grated pecorino
1 slice bacon, finely minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or lemon thyme
1 large egg, beaten
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 cups homemade or quality jarred marinara sauce
Small fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Mix the ground meats, ricotta, parsley, panko crumbs, onion, pecorino, bacon, garlic, milk, thyme, egg, salt, Worcestershire, and black pepper, to taste, in a large bowl. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. The mixture will be pretty soft.
  • Using your hands, gently form mixture into 1 tablespoon small meatballs (about the size of ping pong balls). Put them on a large plate or pan; cover and refrigerate at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
  • Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1/3 the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Drain off the oil and wipe out the skillet. Return the meatballs to the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs, skewered on a platter with a dollop of the sauce and a fresh leaf of basil. They can be serve warm or at room temperature.
  • The meatballs can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 days, or frozen for up to 6 weeks.

RICOTTA-FILLED MEATBALLS



Ricotta-Filled Meatballs image

Basic meatballs become dinner party fare when stuffed with rich, creamy ricotta cheese in this recipe from Apizz chef John LaFemina.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups cubed crusty white Italian bread, crusts removed
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 large egg
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Pinch of oregano
Coarse salt
2 cups Basic Tomato Sauce
1 cup Basic Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • Make the meatballs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Run bread under water and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Transfer bread to a large bowl and add veal, beef, pork, egg, onion, parsley, basil, cheese, and oregano; season with salt. Using your hands, mix until well combined. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a large round meatball. Place meatballs in a large baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce and two cups of water. Spoon tomato sauce mixture over meatballs until liquid comes three-quarters of the way up the meatballs, adding more water if necessary. Cover baking dish with parchment paper-lined aluminum foil and transfer to oven. Bake meatballs for 1 hour, rotating dish after 30 minutes.
  • Make the stuffing: In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients. Transfer cheese mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip; set aside.
  • Remove meatballs from baking dish and discard liquid. Using an apple corer or small knife, cut out a 1/2-inch hole in the bottom of each meatball; fill hole with cheese mixture and transfer meatballs to a large baking dish, hole side up.
  • Serve: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon tomato sauce evenly over meatballs and transfer to oven. Bake until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. Top each meatball with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese (it should look like it is oozing from the center) and sprinkle with Parmigiano; return to oven and heat for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

GIANT MEATBALLS WITH RICOTTA



Giant Meatballs with Ricotta image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes     Ground Beef Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

Olive oil, for baking sheet
3 cups (1/2-inch pieces) crusty white Italian bread, crusts removed
1 cup whole milk
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef (80 percent lean)
1 pound ground pork
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 medium onion, minced (about 3/4 cup)
1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
1 1/2 cups whole-milk fresh ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups Marinara Sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with oil; set aside.
  • Place bread in a bowl and add milk to moisten. Chop bread into small pieces no larger than 1/4-inch and place in a large bowl. Add veal, beef, pork, egg, onion, parsley, oregano, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix until well combined.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a large meatball. Transfer meatballs to prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large saucepan. Transfer the meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer, partially covered, until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano.

RICOTTA MEATLESS MEATBALLS WITH SAUCE



Ricotta Meatless Meatballs with Sauce image

"Polpette di ricotta al sugo", as these are known in Italian, are meatless balls made out of ricotta cheese and homemade bread crumbs. Think meatballs, but without the meat! The soft balls are then simmered in a simple homemade tomato sauce. I like to serve these with a side of greens, such as broccoli rabe.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

⅔ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
4 cups homemade dry bread crumbs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
⅓ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
¼ cup red wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet or large plate with waxed paper.
  • Combine ricotta cheese and eggs in a large bowl; mix well. Add bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix until thoroughly blended.
  • Take a scoop of the mixture with a small cookie scoop and put it in the palm of your hands. Roll it into a ball and place on the waxed paper. Repeat until all of the mixture has been shaped into balls. Place in the refrigerator while you make the sauce.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, wine, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add ricotta balls to the sauce. Simmer, shaking the pan occasionally to cover the balls with sauce, until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 747.9 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 141.6 mg, Fat 24.8 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 35.7 g, SaturatedFat 10.7 g, Sodium 2198.8 mg, Sugar 14.2 g

PORK AND RICOTTA MEATBALLS



Pork and Ricotta Meatballs image

Ricotta is the secret to tenderness in these all-purpose meatballs. Serve them plain, with a marinara sauce for dipping, or simmer the meatballs in tomato sauce for serving over spaghetti. Ground chicken is a great alternative and will yield cheesier tasting meatballs.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     lunch, weekday, meatballs, appetizer, main course

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup/4 ounces whole-milk ricotta
1/2 cup/2 ounces grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 pound ground pork

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and use your hands to gently mix.
  • Shape the meat into 12 equally sized balls (about 2 1/4 inches in diameter). Arrange on a greased rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake until golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 476, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 424 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

MEATBALLS WITH RICOTTA



Meatballs With Ricotta image

Delicious meatballs. Freezer Tip: Freeze leftover meatballs up to 1 month. When ready to use, in a very large skillet bring marinara sauce to a simmer. Add frozen meatballs; return to simmer. Cover; simmer 10 minutes or until heated through.

Provided by Phil Franco

Categories     Meatballs

Time 45m

Yield 10 Meatballs, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
1/4 cup minced garlic (about 2 heads)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 lbs 80% lean ground beef
1 cup grated grana padano (2 ounces)
1 (15 ounce) carton whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet cook onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil for 8 minutes or until tender. Cool.
  • In a large bowl combine eggs, onion mixture, ground beef, 1 cup Grana Padano, the ricotta cheese, panko, parsley, basil, salt and pepper.
  • Mix to form a uniform mass and shape the mixture into 2 inch balls.
  • Test one meatball before starting the next process.
  • If the ricotta is too watery, add more breadcrumbs or ground beef. If it is too dry, add more ricotta.
  • Place meatballs on two parchment­ lined 15x10x1­inch baking pans.
  • Brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until 165 degrees F.
  • In a very large skillet bring marinara sauce to boiling.
  • Add half of the meatballs to the skillet and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until a nice saucy consistency.
  • Garnish with Grana Padano, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1170, Fat 84.7, SaturatedFat 33.1, Cholesterol 348.7, Sodium 810.9, Carbohydrate 30, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 68.8

RICOTTA MEATBALLS



Ricotta Meatballs image

These Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make on the stove top, bake in the oven, or cook in the Crock Pot! They are so flavorful and are perfect with pasta, in a sub, or with a side salad!

Provided by Stephanie

Categories     Appetizer     Main Course

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 20

32 oz. marinara sauce
½ cup olive oil (divided)
15 oz. Ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 yellow onion (finely diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 Egg (whisked)
½ cup half and half (can sub cream)
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup 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 Pepper
1 lb. ground chuck (80% lean)
½ lb. ground pork (or ground sausage or veal)

Steps:

  • Combine the Herb Ricotta mixture and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a skillet and add the finely diced onion. Soften for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the egg, half and half, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the herb Ricotta mixture. Add the cooled onions/garlic.
  • Season the meat with salt and pepper, add it to the large bowl and gently mix it with your hands until well-combined. (Don't overwork the meat or it will become tough.)
  • Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs and transfer them to the fridge for 15 minutes.
  • Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough oil to cover the meatballs almost halfway.
  • Brown the meatballs in batches, leave plenty of room around each so that you can easily rotate them without having to pick them up to flip them. Brown for about 1 ½ minutes per side. Use kitchen tongs to remove and set aside.
  • Remove excess oil from the skillet and add 32 oz. of marinara sauce. The sauce will thicken and reduce during cooking so I recommend that you add about ¼+ cup water as well so that the sauce doesn't get too thick. You can do this now or later as you judge the consistency. (The ricotta topping thickens it more as well.)
  • Add the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce on top. Cook for 30 minutes over medium heat, partially covered. Use a small cookie scoop to dollop the remaining herb ricotta mixture on top and allow it to heat through during the last 15 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 22 mg, Sodium 223 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHEF JOHN'S RICOTTA MEATBALLS



Chef John's Ricotta Meatballs image

Ricotta-spiked meatballs are so tender, so flavorful, and so delicious. There are hardly any ingredients. Of course we're going to throw this over some spaghetti, because we're Americans and that's what we do with meatballs.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ onion, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
¼ cup packed chopped Italian parsley
1 egg, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
⅓ cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 cup water

Steps:

  • Saute onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir garlic into onion and turn off heat. Transfer onion mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  • Stir ground beef, ricotta cheese, parsley, egg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper with onion mixture until almost combined; stir in bread crumbs and continue to mix until thoroughly blended.
  • Roll about 2 tablespoons of mixture into a 1-inch ball for each meatball. Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil in same skillet used to cook onions. Place skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides in hot oil, about 5 minutes. Hold a crumpled paper towel in a tongs and use it to remove excess grease from skillet.
  • Pour marinara sauce and water over meatballs in skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.9 g, Cholesterol 75.3 mg, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 864.6 mg, Sugar 9.4 g

MICHAEL SYMON'S MOTHER'S RICOTTA MEATBALLS



Michael Symon's Mother's Ricotta Meatballs image

Make and share this Michael Symon's Mother's Ricotta Meatballs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by zeldaz51

Categories     Meatballs

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese, drained
1 egg (beaten)
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley
1 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 few gratings nutmeg
salt (to taste)
flour, for dusting
olive oil (for frying)
1 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
2 (28 ounce) cans san marzano tomatoes
olive oil
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
4 ounces red wine
2 (28 ounce) cans san marzano tomatoes
2 tablespoons chili flakes
salt (to taste)

Steps:

  • Combine ground pork & ground beef in a bowl. Add ricotta cheese and egg. Mix thoroughly. Stir in flat leaf parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle in flour. Form meat mixture into 1" balls. (Sic. What is meant is to form the meatballs, then dust them in flour prior to frying.).
  • Warm olive oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat. Fry meatballs until golden brown. Remove from pan & set aside.
  • Heat more olive oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sweat onions and garlic cloves in olive oil until translucent (4-5 minutes). Deglaze pan by adding red wine, then cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add tomatoes and chile flakes, then bring to a simmer. Add salt to taste. Add meatballs, then simmer for 30 minutes.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ricotta cheese. For the best results, use whole-milk ricotta cheese. It has a richer flavor and a creamier texture than low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese.
  • Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, and parsley, add a lot of flavor to meatballs. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing the meatball mixture will make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Cook the meatballs thoroughly. Meatballs should be cooked all the way through before you serve them. The best way to check if they are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatballs should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or Alfredo sauce. You can also serve them with a simple glaze, such as a balsamic glaze or a honey glaze.

Conclusion:

Meatballs with ricotta cheese are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect meatballs every time.

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