Spaghetti and meatballs with ricotta is a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please the whole family. The combination of tender spaghetti, flavorful meatballs, and creamy ricotta cheese is simply irresistible. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that everyone will love.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BEST SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. -Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 2h30m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato paste; cook 3-5 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 50 minutes., Combine the first 7 meatball ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add meatballs; brown in batches until no longer pink. Drain. Add to sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 18g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein.
RICOTTA SPAGHETTI
A good alternative to regular macaroni and cheese!
Provided by Rachel817
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Spaghetti Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the spaghetti and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.
- Stir the garlic, ricotta, and basil in a saucepan over medium-low until hot, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; stir in the spaghetti and reserved water from cooking the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.1 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Cholesterol 14.2 mg, Fat 4.6 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 12.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 80.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
ITALIAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This authentic Italian recipe was given to me by my cousin's wife, who is from Italy. It's so hearty and satisfying, everyone's eyes light up when I tell my family that we're having this for supper! -Etta Winter, Pavillion, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, combine the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, onion, sugar, oregano, bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, garlic and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/4 hours., Meanwhile, soak bread in remaining water. Squeeze out excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the bread, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and remaining salt, garlic and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into thirty-six 1-1/2-in. meatballs. , Preheat oven to 400°. Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, until no longer pink, 20 minutes; drain. Transfer to spaghetti sauce. Simmer, uncovered, until heated through, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf. Serve with spaghetti; if desired, top with additional Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 373 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 1201mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
CHEF JOHN'S RICOTTA MEATBALLS
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
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
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: olive oil, large yellow onions, garlic, kosher salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, crushed tomato, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, ricotta cheese, fresh parsley, large eggs, grated parmesan cheese, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, dried spathetti, fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese
Provided by Matthew Johnson
Categories Dinner
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and grease with nonstick spray.
- Make the marinara sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes. Cook until soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Set aside ⅓ cup (50 G) of the cooked onions and garlic for the meatballs and let cool.
- Stir the tomato paste into the onions and cook until browned and aromatic, 3-5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Stir together and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, reserved onion and garlic mixture, bread crumbs, ricotta, parsley, eggs, Parmesan, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until well combined.
- Shape about 2 ounces (55 G) of meat at a time into balls and set on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, until the outsides are browned and the centers are tender and juicy and reach about 155˚F (68˚C).
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, 7-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking together.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the simmering marinara sauce. Reserve some pasta water, in case you need it to loosen the sauce. Stir the pasta into the sauce until fully coated.
- Add the pasta to serving bowls, top with the meatballs, and garnish with Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked pepper.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1173 calories, Carbohydrate 119 grams, Fat 47 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 69 grams, Sugar 26 grams
FAMILY MEAL: SPAGHETTI WITH RICOTTA MEATBALLS WITH PECORINO GARLIC BREAD
Why are there so many memes about garlic bread? One does not simply ignore that it reigns supreme in the world of bread. We go beast mode on ours by adding pungent pecorino cheese and serving it with meatballs enhanced with light and creamy ricotta cheese. Kick your normal spaghetti and meatballs recipe to the curb, there's a new sheriff in town.
Provided by Chef Jimmy Madla
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Before You Cook Turn oven on to 375 degrees. Let preheat, at least 10 minutes Bring a medium pot of water to a boil If using any fresh produce, thoroughly rinse and pat dry Prepare a baking sheet with foil Be sure to scrape out all the cream sauce from the carton; some might stick! Separation is natural when shipping liquid eggs. Shake well before using. Cooking Guidelines To ensure food safety, the FDA recommends the following as minimum internal cooking temperatures: Steak and Pork 145° F (rest cooked meat, 3 minutes) | Seafood 145° F | Chicken 165° F | Ground Beef 160° F | Ground Turkey 165° F | Ground Pork 160° F 1 Prepare the Ingredients Finely mince garlic and divide into three equal piles. Stem and mince parsley. Halve baguette lengthwise. 2 Form the Meatballs Thoroughly combine ground beef, liquid egg, ricotta cheese, half the pecorino cheese (reserve remaining for garlic bread), breadcrumbs, parsley (reserve a pinch for garnish), 1/3 the garlic, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a mixing bowl. Divide and shape mixture into ten meatballs roughly the size of ping-pong balls. 3 Sear the Meatballs Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp. olive oil and meatballs to hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6-9 minutes. 4 Make the Sauce Add half the remaining garlic to hot pan with meatballs and cook until aromatic, 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce and 1/4 cup water to pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs reach a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees, 8-10 minutes. If marinara sauce appears too thick, add up to 1/2 cup water to loosen. 5 Make Pasta and Garlic Bread Season boiling water with a large pinch of salt. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain in colander and toss with 1 tsp. olive oil. While pasta cooks, combine 1 Tbsp. olive oil, remaining garlic, and remaining pecorino (reserve a generous pinch for garnish) in a small bowl. Spread mixture on cut sides of baguette, place on baking sheet, and bake until golden brown, 6-9 minutes. 6 Plate the Dish Place a portion of pasta in a large bowl. Top with sauce and arrange meatballs on top. Garnish with reserved pecorino cheese and parsley. Serve with garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts :
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Steps:
- For the meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Whisk together the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the browned garlic, meats and cheese and gently mix together until combined. Begin adding bread crumbs 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture just holds together. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Form the meat into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Heat the remaining 1 cup of oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Add the meatballs and fry until golden brown on all sides. Carefully remove to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and chili flakes and cook until the onion is soft. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomatoes and let simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Add the peppers and parsley sprigs, season with salt and pepper, to taste, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the meatballs, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the meatballs have cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes longer.
- Drain the spaghetti and return to the pot. Add some of the sauce and toss to coat for about 30 seconds. Stir the chopped basil into the tomato sauce and ladle some of the sauce over the spaghetti and meatballs. Grate lots of Parmesan over the top and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs.
CLASSIC SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Saying these are better than our nonna's would be a bad idea, but she'll never know if we just think it.
Provided by Chris Morocco
Categories Bon Appétit Dinner Pasta Meatball Tomato Ground Beef Parmesan Kid-Friendly Oregano Small Plates
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Tomato Sauce:
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low. Cook garlic, stirring occasionally, until a few pieces are golden brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add basil sprigs and stir to wilt. Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go, and their juices; season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high; bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and flavors have concentrated, 60-75 minutes.
- Meatballs and assembly:
- Run bread under cold running water until completely soaked. Firmly wring out to expel as much water as possible. Finely chop, then mix in a large bowl with eggs, garlic, ricotta, prosciutto, parsley, and 1/3 cup Parmesan.
- Finely grind fennel seeds in spice mill or with mortar and pestle; add to bread mixture along with oregano, nutmeg, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and 1 1/4 tsp. salt. Mix well (it should resemble a coarse, wet paste). Add beef and break up into small pieces (a couple of forks work well). Mix gently with your hands until smooth and ingredients are evenly incorporated; be careful not to overmix.
- Lightly oil your hands. Working one at a time, scoop out portions of meat mixture with a 1/4-cup measuring cup; roll gently between your hands into balls. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.
- This is the point where you should get the sauce reheating, if needed, so it's warm by the time you add the meatballs.
- Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Add half of the meatballs and cook, turning and rolling occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Add meatballs to warm sauce. Repeat with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil and remaining meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in sauce (they should be mostly submerged) at a gentle simmer, carefully scraping bottom of pot and adding a splash of water if sauce begins to stick, until meatballs are cooked through and tender and sauce tastes rich and meaty, 40-50 minutes.
- Transfer meatballs to a clean baking sheet; cover with foil to keep warm. Pluck out and discard basil from sauce. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up any large pieces of tomato and smooth out sauce. Transfer 2 cups sauce to a small bowl; set aside for serving.
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Using tongs, transfer to pot with sauce. Gently stir, adding pasta cooking liquid by the tablespoonful as needed, until sauce coats pasta. Transfer spaghetti to a serving dish and top with meatballs and 1 cup reserved sauce. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and serve with some basil (if using) and remaining sauce alongside for topping.
- Do Ahead:
- Sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Meatballs can be formed 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Meatballs can be cooked in sauce 3 days ahead; let cool, then cover and chill.
Tips and Conclusion
This traditional Italian dish of Spaghetti and Meatballs with Ricotta is sure to please any crowd. Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you make the best Spaghetti and Meatballs with Ricotta:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the final dish, so be sure to use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find.
- Brown the meatballs well: Browning the meatballs in a hot skillet will help to develop their flavor and give them a crispy texture.
- Use a flavorful tomato sauce: The tomato sauce is a key component of this dish, so be sure to use a flavorful sauce that you enjoy. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente: Al dente pasta is cooked to be firm to the bite, which will help to prevent it from becoming mushy when it is mixed with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Ricotta is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your Spaghetti and Meatballs with Ricotta is a hit with your family and friends.
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