Chef John’s Ricotta Meatballs

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 15
Chef John's Ricotta Meatballs
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

1 hour

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/2 onion , minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic , minced
1 pound ground beef
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 cup packed chopped Italian parsley
1 egg , beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper , or to taste
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 jar marinara sauce
1 cup water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
531
Sugar
6g
Fat
38g
Chef John's Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and hearty main dish that are perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The ricotta cheese used in these meatballs gives them a creamy texture, while the cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick. These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed with a side of pasta or on their own.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.Cook and stir onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes; add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
3.Transfer onion mixture to a large bowl and mix in ground beef, ricotta cheese, parsley, egg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well blended; fold in bread crumbs.
4.Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange about 1 inch apart in a baking dish coated with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
5.Bake in preheated oven until browned and cooked through, about 25 minutes.
6.Combine marinara sauce and water in a saucepan and heat until simmering. Pour over meatballs and continue to bake until sauce is hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes more.

PROS

The ricotta cheese in these meatballs makes them extra moist and flavorful.
The addition of cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the dish.

CONS

These meatballs are high in fat and calories due to the ground beef and ricotta cheese.
They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not the healthiest option, these meatballs are a great source of protein and can be included as part of a high-protein diet. Ricotta cheese is high in calcium, which is important for bone health. The cayenne pepper used in this recipe has been linked to aiding digestion and weight loss.

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