Description

Ricotta Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—soft, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender thanks to creamy ricotta that keeps every bite moist and flavorful. This 5-ingredient recipe sears to a golden crust and finishes simmering in marinara for rich, family-friendly goodness. Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty meal that crowds will love. Perfect for weeknights and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half turkey)
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape into meatballs about 1½ inches in size and place them on a tray.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes total).
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For lighter meatballs, use lean beef or turkey.
Chill the meat mixture for 15-30 minutes to help with shaping.
Freezer-friendly: freeze raw meatballs for up to 3 months, then thaw before cooking.
Leftovers reheat well in microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of marinara.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-seared and simmered in sauce
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 525
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 170 mg

Keywords: Ricotta Meatballs, ricotta meatballs recipe, Italian meatballs, 5-ingredient meatballs, easy meatballs, creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, meatball pasta