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These Ricotta Meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, paired with a delicious crispy topping for added texture. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat, as it may become tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Set them aside on a tray.
3. Fry the Meatballs:
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be cooked through yet, as they will finish in the sauce.
- Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Crispy Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the browned meatballs in a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over them, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crispy topping mixture evenly over the meatballs.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 160°F/70°C), and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve with pasta, a side of crusty bread, or on their own!
Tips
- Ricotta: Use high-quality, full-fat ricotta for extra creamy and tender meatballs.
- Crispy Topping: For even more texture, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping for a slight kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with spaghetti for a classic pairing or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
