Description
These tender ricotta meatballs feel light and flavorful. They simmer in rich marinara sauce, making them perfect for pasta, subs, or serving with bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
- ½ pound ground chicken
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for simmering)
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- ¼ cup water
- Extra Parmesan cheese (to serve)
- Fresh basil or parsley (to serve)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix until combined.
- Add ground beef and chicken, mixing gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm them up.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, about 1 minute per side. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Add marinara sauce and water to the same skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the pan, spooning sauce over the top of them.
- Cover partially and simmer for 30 minutes, turning the meatballs once halfway through, until they cook completely and become tender.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ricotta cheese adds softness and moisture to these meatballs.
- Browning the meatballs before simmering adds flavor depth.
- Refrigerating the formed balls helps them hold their shape during browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian