Description
These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, creamy ricotta cheese, and seasoned with herbs and Parmesan, they’re baked to perfection for a juicy and tender texture. Served simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs make a comforting main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch meatballs. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking.
- Add Olive Oil: Brush or lightly drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This helps promote browning and keeps them moist during baking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Warm Sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs to the warm marinara sauce. Simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors and keep the meatballs juicy.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, over your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or inside a toasted sub roll with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra moisture and a lighter texture, substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs freeze well, either before cooking or after baking and cooling.
- Serve with a side of pasta, spiralized zucchini noodles, or as meatball subs with melted mozzarella for delicious variety.
