Description
Ricotta Meatballs in Marinara Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender meatballs made with ricotta cheese and ground beef, simmered in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the marinara sauce and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg