17 Italian Meatballs Recipe With Ricotta Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
In addition to being a staple in Italian cuisine, meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served as an appetizer, on top of spaghetti, or as a hearty main course, these Italian-style meatballs are sure to be a hit at any meal. While there are many different variations of meatball recipes, one ingredient that adds a unique twist and creamy texture is ricotta cheese. This Italian meatball recipe with ricotta is a must-try for any food lover.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Marinara Sauce, Manicotti Shells
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then you've probably heard of baked manicotti. This delicious dish is a favorite among many, with its rich and creamy texture and savory flavors. Made with pasta tubes filled with a variety of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
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Ricotta Gnudi
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk, Ground Black
For a lighter take on Italian meatballs, try making ricotta gnudi. These small, pillowy dumplings are made with ricotta cheese, flour, and eggs, and are usually served with a simple tomato sauce. They are a great option for those looking for a gluten-free or vegetarian option, and can also be made ahead and frozen for a quick and easy meal.
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without traditional Italian meatballs. These meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with a classic tomato sauce. They are perfect for topping on pasta or enjoying on their own as a main dish.
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Traditional Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder
If you want to take your meatball game to the next level, try making your own homemade Italian meatballs. These meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. They are then baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying.
For a sweet treat, try making Italian ricotta cookies. These cookies are soft and tender, with a delicate flavor of vanilla and lemon. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and toppings.
Sfogliatelle, also known as lobster tails, are a traditional Italian pastry that originated in Naples. These flaky, layered pastries are filled with a sweet ricotta filling and are a popular dessert in Italy. While they may seem intimidating to make, with a little bit of patience and practice, you can recreate this delicious pastry at home.
For a refreshing and light dessert, try making an Italian lemon ricotta cake. This cake is made with ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, giving it a bright and tangy flavor. It's the perfect ending to any meal and can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
If you're a fan of traditional cheesecake, then you'll love trying an Italian twist on this classic dessert. Italian ricotta cheesecake is made with a blend of ricotta and cream cheese, giving it a lighter and creamier texture than a traditional New York-style cheesecake. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion and can be topped with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Meat Sauce, Ricotta, Shredded
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without mentioning lasagna. This layered pasta dish is a staple in many Italian households, with its rich tomato sauce, meat, and cheese filling, and tender noodles. It's a labor of love to make from scratch, but the end result is worth it, especially when enjoyed with a glass of red wine.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
Looking for a dessert that's easy to make but still impressive? Try making an Italian lemon ricotta cake. This cake is made with simple ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. It's perfect for a last-minute dessert or for when you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For a heartier version of traditional Italian meatballs, try making great big Italian meatballs. These meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. They are then pan-fried and simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
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Baked Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Ground Italian Sausage, Gnocchi, Ricotta, Salt, Fennel
Gnocchi is a type of pasta made with potatoes, flour, and eggs, and is a popular dish in Italy. For a twist on the classic method of boiling gnocchi, try baking it instead. Baked gnocchi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be served with a variety of sauces and toppings.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
Eggplant is a staple in many Italian dishes, and for good reason. When cooked, it becomes tender and creamy, making it the perfect ingredient for a delicious ricotta bake. Layered with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and eggplant slices, this dish is a great option for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish.
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Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Marinara
If you're looking for a quick and easy Italian dish, try making baked ziti. This dish is made with ziti pasta, a simple tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses, and can be prepped in just a few minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Organic Italian Frittata with Asparagus
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Red Capsicum, Asparagus
Frittatas are a popular dish in Italy, and for good reason. They are easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. For a fresh and healthy option, try making an organic Italian frittata with asparagus. This dish is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Stuffed Peppers with Ricotta and Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Red Bell Peppers, Ricotta, Egg, Romano, Italian
If you're looking for a dish that's both healthy and flavorful, try making stuffed peppers with ricotta and Italian sausage. These peppers are filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and herbs, and then baked until tender. They are a great option for a low-carb meal or for those looking to add more veggies to their diet.
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Italian Stuffed Shells Freezer Meal
Main Ingredients: Ricotta, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Italian
For a convenient and delicious meal, try making Italian stuffed shells freezer meal. These shells are filled with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat, and can be made ahead and frozen for a quick and easy dinner. Simply pop them in the oven and dinner will be ready in no time.
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Manicotti
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish made with pasta tubes filled with a variety of cheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat. It's a great option for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal. While it may take a little extra time and effort to make, the end result is worth it.
Whether you're making them for spaghetti and meatballs or enjoying them on their own, Italian meatballs are a staple in many households. They are made with a blend of ground meats, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, and are usually served with a simple tomato sauce. They are a delicious and comforting option for any occasion.
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Italian Tuna Balls With Lemon and Capers – an Easy...
Main Ingredients: Tuna In Oil, Ricotta, Hard Boiled Eggs, Capers
For a unique twist on traditional meatballs, try making Italian tuna balls with lemon and capers. These balls are made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and capers, and are a lighter option than traditional meatballs. They are perfect for those looking for a seafood alternative or for a quick and easy meal.
The Creamy Addition of Ricotta Cheese
Why Ricotta Cheese?
When it comes to making meatballs, the addition of ricotta cheese may seem unusual, but it adds a creamy and rich texture to the dish. Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese made from whey and is commonly used in Italian cuisine. It is often used in pasta dishes, but it also pairs well with meat, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
Health Benefits of Ricotta Cheese
Not only does ricotta cheese add a delicious flavor to meatballs, but it also has numerous health benefits. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It is also lower in fat and calories compared to other types of cheese, making it a healthier option for those watching their diet.
How to Incorporate Ricotta Cheese into Meatballs
There are a few different ways to incorporate ricotta cheese into your meatball recipe. One simple way is to mix it in with the ground meat and other ingredients before rolling the meatballs. This will ensure that each meatball has a creamy and cheesy center. Another option is to stuff the meatballs with a small amount of ricotta cheese before cooking them, creating a delicious surprise inside.
Italian Meatballs Recipe with Ricotta
Now that you know the benefits of adding ricotta cheese to your meatballs, let's dive into the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a wooden spoon.
Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
Optional: If you prefer a saucy meatball, add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the meatballs hot, with or without marinara sauce, and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy Your Creamy and Flavorful Meatballs
With the addition of ricotta cheese, these Italian meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, the creamy and rich texture of the meatballs will have everyone asking for seconds. So why not give this Italian meatball recipe with ricotta a try and add a delicious twist to your next meal?
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