17 Italian Meatball Recipe Ricotta Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
For many, Italian meatballs are a beloved comfort food, evoking memories of family dinners and hearty meals. But what sets a truly exceptional Italian meatball apart from the rest? The answer may lie in the addition of a not-so-traditional ingredient: ricotta cheese. While some may balk at the idea of adding cheese to their meatballs, trust us when we say that this Italian meatball recipe with ricotta will have you singing its praises. So grab your apron and get ready to learn how to create a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Get ready to warm up on a chilly night with this flavorful Italian Meatball Soup. Made with tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and delicious Italian herbs, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
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Meatball Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic Cloves, Tomato Paste
Who says lasagna has to be made with ground beef? This Meatball Lasagna takes a tasty twist on the classic dish by using Italian meatballs as the star ingredient. Layered with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce, this lasagna is a definite crowd-pleaser.
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Classic Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Olive Oil, Beef Mince, Pork Mince, Ricotta
It's hard to beat a classic, especially when it comes to these Classic Meatballs. Made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Serve them with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a traditional Italian meal.
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Italian Meatball Calzones
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Ground Sirloin, Seasoned Bread
Take your love for Italian food to the next level with these delicious Italian Meatball Calzones. Filled with meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, these calzones are a perfect handheld meal for any occasion. Serve them with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
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Italian Meatball Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Chicken Broth, Spaghetti Sauce, Cheese
If you're a fan of tortellini, then you have to try this Italian Meatball Tortellini recipe. Tender meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce and tossed with cheese-filled tortellini for a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
When you're short on time but still want a delicious homemade meal, this Frozen Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect solution. Simply throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic. Top it off with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
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INSTANT POT ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large
If you're a fan of meal prep and using your Instant Pot, then this Italian Meatball Soup is a must-try. Made with homemade chicken broth and packed with vegetables and tender meatballs, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make.
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Paleo Italian Meatball Soup (crock pot)
Main Ingredients: Meatball, Ground Italian Sausage, Coconut Flour, Flax
Following a paleo diet doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. This Paleo Italian Meatball Soup is made in a crockpot and filled with fresh vegetables and spicy Italian sausage for a hearty and delicious meal that fits your dietary needs.
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Four Cheese Meatball and Sweet Pepper Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Marinara Sauce, Lasagna Noodles, Mozzarella Cheese
If you love cheese, then this Four Cheese Meatball and Sweet Pepper Lasagna is a must-try. Layers of lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and four different types of cheese make this dish a true indulgence. Top it off with roasted sweet peppers for a burst of color and flavor.
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Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Sandwiches, Marinara Sauce
Sometimes, simple is best, and these Easy Italian Meatball Sandwiches prove just that. Tender meatballs are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese, all served on a soft hoagie roll. It's the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup is the answer. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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1 Dish Italian Meatball and Cheese Pizza Bake with...
Main Ingredients: Cooking Spray, All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Sugar, Salt
Combine two Italian favorites, meatballs and pizza, into one delicious dish with this 1 Dish Italian Meatball and Cheese Pizza Bake. Layers of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni make this bake a hit with both kids and adults.
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Easy Italian Stuffed Shells and Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Tomato Paste, Tomato Sauce, Italian
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish, and this Easy Italian Stuffed Shells and Meatballs recipe takes it to the next level. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a mixture of meatballs and creamy ricotta cheese, then topped with marinara sauce and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
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Easy Italian Meatball Bake
Main Ingredients: Frozen Garlic Bread, Frozen Meatballs, Marinara Sauce
This Easy Italian Meatball Bake is a great way to use up leftover meatballs or to whip up a quick and tasty meal. Simply layer meatballs in a baking dish with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for a dish that is both easy and delicious.
Traditionally served at Italian weddings, this Italian Wedding Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Tender meatballs, spinach, and acini di pepe pasta are simmered in a rich broth for a soup that is both comforting and satisfying.
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Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If you prefer your meatballs on the crispy side, then these Baked Italian Meatballs are a must-try. Made with a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are baked in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Serve them with your favorite pasta dish or enjoy them as a snack.
Sliders are always a hit at parties and gatherings, and these Italian Meatball Sliders are no exception. Tender meatballs are nestled in soft slider buns and topped with sauteed onions and peppers for a delicious and easy-to-eat dish.
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Marion’s Best Spaghetti Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Finely Grated
Everyone has that one family member who makes the best meatballs, and in this case, it's Marion. These Italian-style meatballs are bursting with flavor and are the perfect addition to any pasta dish. Top them off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
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Easy Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste
When you're in need of a quick and easy meal, this Easy Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful and hearty soup on the table in no time. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Last but not least, we have the classic Italian Meatball Sub. Tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese are sandwiched between a soft hoagie roll for a sandwich that is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Top it off with some spicy peppers for an extra kick.
Why Ricotta?
While traditional Italian meatball recipes typically call for breadcrumbs or even grated Parmesan cheese, using ricotta adds a whole new level of creaminess and richness to the dish. This soft, creamy cheese is made from the whey leftover from making other cheeses, and it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. When mixed into the meatball mixture, it adds moisture, texture, and a subtle tang that elevates the dish to new heights.
Adding Flavor and Moisture
In addition to the flavor and texture benefits, adding ricotta to your Italian meatballs also helps prevent them from becoming dry and tough. As the meatballs cook, the ricotta melts and releases moisture, keeping the meatballs moist and tender. This means you can skip the step of soaking breadcrumbs in milk or using fatty meats to prevent dryness, making this recipe a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the Meatball
While we're talking about the benefits of using ricotta in Italian meatballs, it's worth mentioning that this versatile cheese can also be used in a variety of other dishes. From baked pasta dishes to lasagna to even pancakes, ricotta adds a unique creaminess and subtle tang that can take your dishes to the next level. So if you have some leftover ricotta after making these meatballs, get creative and see what other delicious dishes you can come up with.
Try It for Yourself
Now that you know the benefits of using ricotta in Italian meatballs, it's time to put it into practice. This Italian meatball recipe with ricotta is simple, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. So don't be afraid to step outside of tradition and give this ingredient a try. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.
Featured Keywords: Italian meatball recipe, ricotta cheese, comfort food, flavor, moisture, versatile, family favorite.
