Description
These tender ricotta meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and finished with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. A cozy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or prep an oven-safe skillet.
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, ricotta, half the breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Spread a layer of crushed tomatoes into your baking dish or skillet. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Form meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of mixture each. Nestle them into the sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cooked through. Meanwhile, toast remaining breadcrumbs in olive oil until golden.
- Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over meatballs and broil for 1–2 minutes until crisp.
- Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Let the mixture rest before shaping to help them hold together better.
- Broil briefly at the end for the crispiest topping.
- Perfect served over pasta, in a sub, or on their own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg