Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! These juicy meatballs, bursting with the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese, are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend gathering. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish that's both satisfying and healthy. Get ready to elevate your meatball game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Your favorite pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, bread crumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking. If your hands get sticky, lightly wet them with water.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. This step adds incredible flavor and texture. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, pour your favorite pasta sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious ricotta meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even polenta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs. Gentle mixing is key.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the meatballs will taste. Fresh herbs and good quality ground beef make a noticeable difference.
- Proper browning is crucial: Browning the meatballs before simmering adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped onions, carrots, or zucchini can be added to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the meatballs over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but a general estimate for one meatball (about 1/6 of the recipe) would be around 150-200 calories, 10-15g of protein, and 10-15g of fat. Nutritional information can be refined using a nutrition calculator based on your exact ingredients. This recipe offers a healthy and balanced meal, perfect for a quick and easy dinner idea. Enjoy!