Ricotta Meatballs – Soft & Juicy Italian-Style Meatballs

These Ricotta Meatballs are ultra-tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth! Adding creamy ricotta cheese to the meat mixture makes them incredibly soft while keeping them juicy. Serve them with marinara sauce, pasta, or as a delicious appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra Soft & Moist – Thanks to the ricotta cheese!
Flavor-Packed – A perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.
Versatile – Serve with pasta, in a sub, or on their own!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley.
2. Gently mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
3. Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Pan-Fry Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Pour in marinara sauce, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Oven-Baked Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.
3. Heat marinara sauce in a pan, then add the meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
• Serve over pasta, polenta, or in a meatball sub.

Tips & Variations

Want it cheesier? Add shredded mozzarella on top before serving.
Make it gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spicy twist? Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili.

These Ricotta Meatballs are rich, tender, and packed with Italian flavor.

For a different twist, check out our Moroccan Meatball Tagine
Learn about ricotta cheese on Bon Appétit