The Perfect Ricotta Meatballs Recipe: Juicy, Tender & Flavorful

Ricotta meatballs bring unexpected magic to traditional comfort food, elevating a familiar recipe with surprising depth and luxurious texture.

Soft, pillowy, and remarkably tender, these protein-packed spheres challenge everything you thought you knew about classic meatball preparation.

Creamy ricotta cheese infuses each morsel with velvety richness that melts seamlessly into seasoned ground meat.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this culinary technique converts ordinary ingredients into something genuinely remarkable.

The delicate balance between robust protein and smooth cheese creates a harmonious blend that dances across your palate.

Each bite promises a delightful experience that transcends standard meatball expectations.

Prepare to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that will become a treasured family recipe.

Why Ricotta Meatballs Deserve Their Own Spotlight

• Creamy Cheese Explosion: Ricotta cheese blends seamlessly into the meatballs, creating an unexpected luxurious texture that transforms traditional meatball recipes with its smooth, rich character.
• Quick and Satisfying Cooking Method: The recipe allows easy preparation with simple skillet browning and simmering techniques, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings without requiring complex culinary skills.
• Flavor-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Combining ground chuck beef and pork with herb-infused ricotta delivers a protein-rich meal that's bursting with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings like basil, oregano, and parsley, ensuring each bite is deliciously memorable.
• Versatile Comfort Food Delight: These meatballs work wonderfully as a standalone dish, pasta companion, or appetizer, offering flexibility for different meal styles while maintaining robust, satisfying flavors that appeal to multiple taste preferences.

Ingredients That Make These Meatballs Cheesy Heaven

• Ground Chuck Beef, Ground Pork: Provides rich, hearty protein base with balanced meat flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ground meats with moderate fat content for juiciest meatballs.

• Ricotta Cheese, Half-and-Half, Parmesan Cheese: Creates creamy texture and helps bind ingredients. Select whole milk ricotta for best consistency and richness.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to hold meatballs together. Fresh eggs ensure proper structural integrity.

• Garlic, Onion: Adds depth and savory flavor profile. Choose fresh garlic and sweet onions for maximum taste.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley: Provides herbal undertones and classic Italian seasoning notes. Ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall meat seasoning. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and browning meatballs. Select extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create tender meatball texture. Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs work well.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides rich, tangy coating for finished meatballs. Choose high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finishing touch. Choose vibrant green parsley leaves.

How to Bake Cheesy Ricotta Meatballs Without the Mess

Step 1: Prepare Ricotta Herb Mixture

Mix ricotta cheese with minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and parsley in a bowl. Blend thoroughly and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 3: Create Meatball Binding

• 1 egg
• Half-and-half

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Cooled sautéed onions
• 3/4 of the prepared ricotta mixture

Step 4: Blend Meat Mixture

Season ground chuck beef and pork with salt and pepper. Gently incorporate meat into the cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix to maintain juiciness.

Step 5: Shape Meatballs

Form portions into meatballs approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Brown Meatballs

Heat remaining olive oil in skillet. Brown meatballs in batches, cooking approximately 90 seconds per side until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Simmer in Sauce

Remove excess grease from pan. Add marinara sauce and water if needed. Return meatballs to skillet and simmer.

Step 8: Create Creamy Finish

Cook partially covered on medium heat for 30 minutes. During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle remaining ricotta over the top, creating a creamy layer.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Little Tips That Make These Ricotta Meatballs Shine

• Chill for Firmness: Refrigerate meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking to help them maintain their shape and prevent falling apart during searing.
• Gentle Mixing Magic: Fold ingredients together gently to keep the meat tender and prevent dense, tough meatballs that can become rubbery.
• Brown with Patience: Take time when browning meatballs, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in rich, meaty flavors.
• Moisture Management: Use the residual pan juices and marinara sauce to keep meatballs incredibly moist and prevent them from drying out during cooking.
• Herb-Cheese Final Touch: Sprinkle remaining ricotta during the last cooking stage to create a luxurious, creamy layer that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Leftovers? Keep These Ricotta Meatballs as Good as New

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the sealed container for up to 4 days. Separate the meatballs from the marinara sauce to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer Storage
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Methods
• Oven Reheat: Preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.

What Complements These Cheesy Ricotta Bites

• Savor with Rustic Red Wine: Pair these rich, cheesy meatballs with a bold Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory meat and herb flavors.
• Embrace Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add a crunchy textural contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Create a Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light, crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meatballs and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Match with Creamy Polenta: Serve these meatballs over smooth, buttery polenta to create a comforting base that catches all the flavorful sauce and adds a luxurious Italian-inspired touch to the meal.

Fun Flavor Twists on Classic Ricotta Meatballs

• Mediterranean Meatball Magic: Swap ground chuck and pork with lamb, add mint and za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern flavor profile that transports your taste buds to sun-drenched coastal regions.
• Spicy Southwestern Sphere: Replace ricotta with pepper jack cheese, incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to create a zesty, bold version with a southwestern kick.
• Herbal Garden Fusion
• Scandinavian-Inspired Sensation: Introduce ground turkey, dill, and nutmeg to the mix, serve with lingonberry sauce and a side of quick-pickled cucumber for a Nordic-inspired culinary adventure.

Ricotta Meatballs: A Savory, Cheesy Delight! Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ricotta Meatballs deliver Italian comfort with creamy cheese-infused beef that melts in your mouth. Hearty marinara sauce and fragrant herbs elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure culinary pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground chuck (80% lean)
• 0.25 pound (¼ lb) ground pork (or substitute sausage or veal)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 15 ounces (oz) ricotta cheese
• 0.25 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 egg (whisked)

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parsley (roughly chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

Additional:

• 32 ounces (oz) marinara sauce
• 0.25 cup olive oil (divided)
• 0.25 cup water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, finely chopped garlic, dried basil, oregano, and parsley. Thoroughly blend the ingredients and set aside for later use.
2. Heat of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for approximately 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk the egg with half-and-half (120 milliliters) until smooth. Fold in breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, the cooled onion mixture, and three-quarters of the herb-infused ricotta blend.
4. Season ground chuck beef and ground pork with salt and pepper. Gently incorporate the meat into the cheesy mixture, being careful not to overmix to maintain juiciness.
5. Using your hands, form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, each approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter and weighing about . Refrigerate the meatballs for 15 minutes to help them maintain their shape.
6. Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking each side for about 90 seconds to develop a rich, golden exterior.
7. Drain excess grease from the pan, preserving the flavorful fond. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, adding a small amount of water if needed. Gently reintroduce the browned meatballs to the sauce.
8. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce over medium heat, partially covered, for approximately 30 minutes. During the final 10 minutes, dollop the remaining herb-rich ricotta on top, creating a creamy, luxurious layer.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Keep ricotta cheese mixture separate until final garnishing stage for maximum flavor infusion.
• Chilling meatballs helps maintain structural integrity during browning process, preventing crumbling.
• Blend meat selections carefully to ensure balanced texture and rich, complex taste profile.
• Select high-quality ground chuck and pork with balanced fat content for juiciest results.
• Sautéing onions beforehand releases deeper, sweeter aromatic notes into overall meatball composition.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 110mg