Pork Ricotta Meatballs (Solid Starts)

Yields 10-13 meatballs.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Defrost frozen meat in the refrigerator the day before you plan to cook the meatballs.

Step 2

Place the pork, breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mash and mix the ingredients to form a paste.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2-inch (5 cm) in diameter. At this point, the meatballs may be frozen for future meals.

Step 4

Warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet set on medium heat. Evenly space the meatballs in the sauce.

Step 5

Cover and cook until the meatballs are fully cooked, about 20 minutes. Check if the meatballs are ready; they are done when no pink meat remains in the center of a meatball when it's cut open. If you'd like, use a food thermometer to check that a meatball's internal temperature has reached 160 F (71 C).

Step 6

Once the meatballs are done, turn the heat to the lowest setting to keep warm while you prepare the pasta according to the package's instructions.

Step 7

Set aside some meatballs, sauce, and pasta for baby, then season the rest with parmesan cheese to taste for yourself.