Incredibly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor — these ricotta meatballs will become your go-to comfort food!
If you’ve ever wanted to create restaurant-quality meatballs at home, look no further than these Ultimate Ricotta Meatballs. The secret ingredient? Ricotta cheese. It makes the meatballs extra tender, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and full of rich flavor. Whether served with spaghetti, stuffed in a sub, or simply enjoyed on their own with marinara, these meatballs are chef’s kiss perfection.
This is a recipe that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting — perfect for Sunday family dinners, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests.
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4–6
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 is best)
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, for added richness)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For Cooking:
- Olive oil for browning
- 2–3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork (if using), ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — do not overmix.
2. Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 2-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet or tray.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to get all sides nicely seared (about 5–7 minutes total). They don’t need to cook through — just get that golden crust.
4. Simmer in Sauce
Transfer browned meatballs to a large pot or skillet with marinara sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld beautifully.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve over spaghetti, inside hoagie rolls, or on their own topped with extra Parmesan and parsley.
🧠 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx. 3–4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~26g
- Carbs: ~16g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
Values vary depending on the sauce and portion size.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for easier shaping.
- Bake instead of fry: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes if you prefer a cleaner cooking method.
- Freeze-friendly: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Add depth: A splash of red wine in the sauce while simmering takes the flavor to another level.
✨ For Your Website
These Ricotta Meatballs are an Italian-American dream come true — tender, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The ricotta keeps them soft and luscious, even after simmering in sauce. This is the kind of timeless comfort food that draws readers in and keeps them coming back for seconds (and for more recipes!). Ideal for everyday dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers every single time.
Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or over creamy polenta — the options are endless.
