Hey there, fellow food lovers! 👋
Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good meatball? But what if I told you there's a simple way to make them even better? Enter ricotta cheese! This creamy ingredient isn't just for lasagna anymore. It's the secret to creating unbelievably tender and juicy meatballs that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This isn't your average meatball recipe. By incorporating ricotta right into the mix, we're not just adding moisture, we're adding flavor! Think savory, garlicky goodness with a hint of richness. It's a game-changer, trust me. These little guys are so versatile; they'll pair perfectly with any pasta you have on hand or even on a sub or just on their own.
Ricotta Meatball Marvels: The Recipe
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (for a little zing!)
- 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for browning
- 1 (28 ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Get the Flavor Base: In a skillet, sauté your minced onion (if you add onion, if not, just start with the olive oil) in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until translucent. Add the garlic, cook for another minute until fragrant then turn off the heat. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and let cool slightly.
- Mix it Up: Add the ground beef, ricotta cheese, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the bowl. Gently mix until almost combined, then stir in the breadcrumbs. Ensure everything is well mixed but don't overmix. Over mixing makes for tough meatballs.
- Shape and Brown: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat another 2 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. This locks in the flavour and keeps them juicy.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour the marinara sauce and water over the meatballs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink. Remember to stir occasionally so the sauce doesn't burn, and to ensure all those delicious flavours are mixing and mingling.
- Serve it: Serve hot over your pasta of choice and sprinkle with extra parsley if you like.
Why This Recipe Rocks For You:
- Healthy Focus: This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have. With lean beef and ricotta for protein, it is perfect for a balanced meal. It is also easily adaptable to add in or substitute veggies if you have some that need to be used up, or if you simply want to get more goodness into your diet.
- Easy Customization: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth, add some finely grated parmesan for extra cheesy flavor, or use a different type of ground meat if you prefer. The possibilities are endless.
- Menu Planning Made Simple: Looking for more delicious, healthy recipes to add to your weekly meal plan? Check out the menuistia app! It's your ultimate tool for custom recipe creation and meal planning. You can even add this recipe to your personal collection with ease.
So, go ahead, give these ricotta meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed! And don't forget to share your culinary creations. Happy cooking, everyone! 🍽️