If you’re craving a comforting yet wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug, the Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe is here to brighten your dinner table. These tender, flavorful meatballs blend lean ground turkey with creamy ricotta and sharp Parmesan, creating a perfect balance of moistness and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Baked to perfection and simmered in rich marinara, this dish brings together simplicity and elegance in a way that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering turkey ricotta meatballs, you’ll want to keep things straightforward but flavorful. Each ingredient plays its part, whether it’s adding richness, binding the meat, or infusing aromatic herbs for that classic Italian flair.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Choose lean meat to keep things light but juicy, especially if you find dark meat—it adds extra moisture.
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: This adds delightful creaminess and tenderness to the meatballs’ texture.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty kick that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Essential for holding the meatballs together while keeping them soft inside.
- 1 large egg: The natural binder that ensures your meatballs won’t fall apart during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor with its signature warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color, freshness, and a mild herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian seasoning that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning if you prefer searing before simmering, or it can be used for greasing the baking tray.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce that perfectly envelops the meatballs during simmering.
How to Make Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F. This temperature ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a lovely golden-brown finish without drying out.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, Italian-style breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the mixture—just enough to incorporate everything so your meatballs stay tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 16 to 18 evenly sized meatballs. A consistent size helps with even cooking. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet, giving them enough space so they don’t stick together.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F and they’re nicely browned on the outside. This baking method keeps them moist and reduces the need for extra oil.
Step 5: Simmer in Marinara
While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let them simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This step allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce’s rich flavors, making each bite irresistible.
How to Serve Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh taste. A generous dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving adds an extra salty punch that complements the creamy ricotta inside.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine over simple spaghetti or creamy polenta, but for a lighter twist, zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower rice work beautifully. Garlic bread on the side never fails to add a comforting crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe as a hearty sandwich? Toast a sub roll, pile in the meatballs with extra marinara, and top with melted mozzarella for an indulgent twist. They also make fantastic appetizers when skewered with a toothpick and drizzled with basil-infused olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for quick lunches or a speedy dinner when paired with a fresh salad.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, freeze baked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of marinara or in the microwave, covered, to avoid drying out. A short simmer in sauce brings back that fresh-from-the-oven flavor they’re loved for.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be substituted with similar results, but keep in mind it is sometimes leaner, so you might want to add a little extra ricotta or olive oil for moisture.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the Italian-style breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain that binding and texture without gluten.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? Can I skip it?
Ricotta adds creaminess and moisture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone. Just be mindful of the texture change.
Is it okay to cook the meatballs entirely on the stovetop?
Definitely! You can brown the meatballs in olive oil on the stovetop for 6 to 8 minutes, then add the marinara sauce and simmer until cooked through. This technique gives a beautiful crust and tender inside.
How can I tell when the meatballs are cooked perfectly?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. They should be browned on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about this Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe that makes it a go-to weeknight favorite or a crowd-pleaser for guests. With simple ingredients coming together in harmony, you get juicy, flavorful meatballs that are easy to make and satisfying to eat. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on classic Italian meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey and creamy ricotta cheese, they’re baked to perfection and simmered in a savory marinara sauce. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, they offer a flavorful, tender bite that pairs beautifully with pasta, zucchini noodles, or a toasted sub roll.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 evenly sized meatballs and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet for even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the meatballs are lightly browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Warm Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for simmering the meatballs.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs into the skillet with marinara and simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the flavors together.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or inside a toasted sub roll for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra moisture, consider using dark meat ground turkey.
- Alternatively, brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for 6 to 8 minutes before simmering in sauce.
- These meatballs are versatile; serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or in a toasted sub roll for different meal options.
