Best-Ever Meatballs: Italian-Style Ricotta Meatballs with Simple Tomato Sauce

Name: Best-Ever Meatballs: Italian-Style Ricotta Meatballs with Simple Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 pound 85%-90% lean ground beef (see Recipe Notes); 3/4 pound ground pork (see Recipe Notes); nonstick cooking spray; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approx. 3/4 cup); 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 2 ounces finely grated parmesan (approx. 3/4 cup); 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season; 1 tablespoon olive oil, as needed; 1/2 medium yellow onions, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 (one) 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 (one) 14-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

Prep:20minCook:40min

These Italian-style meatballs are seriously rich & flavorful thanks to the perfect combination of ground beef + pork & a generous amount of fresh aromatics, like onion, garlic, & fresh basil. Soaking the breadcrumbs in ricotta cheese creates the best light & meltingly tender texture. The ricotta meatballs bake, broil, & simmer in a simple, delicious tomato sauce, making them both golden-brown & perfectly tender all at once. Enjoy them over a bowl of fresh pasta, as a holiday appetizer, or tucked in a meatball sub, these ricotta meatballs are endlessly versatile & absolutely perfect every single time. An instant classic!

Updated at: Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:50:17 GMT