Cozy Ricotta Meatballs in Marinara Sauce (Stovetop Favorite!)

🕒 Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 45 min | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients:

For the Marinara & Cooking:

• 32 oz. marinara sauce
• ½ cup olive oil, divided

Herb Ricotta Mixture:

• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp each: dried basil, oregano, parsley

Meatballs:

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, whisked
• ½ cup half and half (or substitute heavy cream)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup parsley, roughly chopped (plus more to garnish)
• 1 tsp each: Italian seasoning, mustard powder, salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 lb ground chuck (80% lean)
• ½ lb ground pork (or sausage or veal)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic, basil, oregano, and parsley. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Build the Meatball Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix the egg, half and half, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ¾ cup of the ricotta mixture. Stir in the cooled onion and garlic.
4. Add the Meat:
   Season the meat with salt and pepper, then gently mix into the bowl using your hands. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps them tender!
5. Form and Chill:
   Roll into 1½-inch balls and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm them up.
6. Brown the Meatballs:
   In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high. Sear the meatballs in batches, about 1½ minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan! Use tongs to turn.
7. Simmer in Sauce:
   Remove excess oil, then add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Add ¼ cup water to loosen the sauce. Gently place meatballs back into the skillet and spoon sauce over them.
8. Add Ricotta Topping & Finish Cooking:
   Simmer on medium, partially covered, for 30 minutes. In the last 15 minutes, dollop remaining ricotta mixture on top so it melts into the sauce 😍
9. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve over pasta, in subs, or with crusty bread!

🌟 Pro Tips:

• Storage: Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
• Swap the Meat: Try all beef, veal, or Italian sausage — it’s flexible!
• Bake Option: You can also bake these at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

🥗 Nutrition Info (Estimated):

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.