Introduction
Ricotta meatballs are a delicious twist on the traditional meatball, combining the creaminess of ricotta cheese with lean ground turkey for a healthier option. These meatballs are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, they bring just the right amount of texture and flavor to your plate.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground turkey (93/7 lean)
1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 jar (28–32 ounces) tomato sauce (marinara or pasta sauce)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
20-24 meatballs
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Forming Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 20-24 small meatballs. Lightly grease a shallow Dutch oven or oven-safe pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in the pan.
Baking Meatballs
Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior. Gently loosen them from the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
Adding Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce over the baked meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
Preparing Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sauced meatballs.
Final Baking
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm the sauce. For a crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serving
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. These meatballs pair well with a green salad and garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
Notes
Ground Turkey
Use 93/7 lean ground turkey for a balance of flavor and healthiness.
Meatball Consistency
If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more panko breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is reached.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
Cooking for Kids
These meatballs are great for kids; consider serving them with spaghetti or as sliders in small rolls.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combining ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning should be done gently to maintain the meat’s texture.
Shaping Meatballs
Form meatballs using a small scoop or your hands. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Baking Meatballs
Place formed meatballs in a lightly greased pan and bake them at 400°F (200°C) to achieve a golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
Add Sauce
Carefully pour the tomato sauce over the baked meatballs, ensuring they are well coated to enhance flavor.
Preparing Crispy Topping
Create a crispy topping mix by combining panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly distributed over the meatballs.
Broiling for Crispiness
For an extra crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley. They pair well with side dishes like a green salad and garlic bread.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground turkey with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, beef, or pork as alternatives to ground turkey in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use full-fat ricotta cheese?
While full-fat ricotta provides creaminess, you can use low-fat ricotta if preferred, though it may alter the texture.
Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking or freeze them for later use.
What kind of tomato sauce can I use?
You can use marinara, pasta sauce, or even homemade tomato sauce according to your preference.
How can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats to make the dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Ricotta Meatballs combine the lean protein of turkey with the creamy richness of ricotta, leading to a delightful dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The crispy topping adds an enjoyable texture, making them a perfect choice for any meal. Serve these meatballs with a side of salad and garlic bread to elevate your dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spaghetti and Ricotta Meatballs
Serve the meatballs over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal, topped with fresh basil for added flavor.
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Stuff the meatballs into a hoagie roll, cover with melted cheese, and enjoy a delicious meatball sub.
Ricotta Meatball Pizza
Use the meatballs as a topping for pizza, paired with tomato sauce and your favorite cheese for a unique twist on pizza night.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine the meatball mixture with cooked rice and stuff it into halved bell peppers, then bake for a wholesome dish.
Meatball and Vegetable Skewers
Thread meatballs and colorful veggies onto skewers, grill them for a fun outdoor meal.
Meatball Tacos
Serve the meatballs in taco shells with your choice of toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a delicious twist.
