Oh, get ready to fall in love with one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes you’ll ever try—this Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe brings together lean ground turkey and creamy ricotta cheese for a tender, juicy, and delightfully satisfying meal. Packed with Italian herbs and Parmesan, these meatballs bake to perfection, offering a healthy yet indulgent twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served with a rich marinara or simply enjoyed on their own, this recipe is an absolute winner for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients make all the difference in bringing the magic to this dish. Each component plays a special role, balancing flavors and textures that turn ordinary meatballs into something spectacular.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs light but satisfying.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds luscious creaminess and keeps the meatballs tender inside.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Injects a nutty, salty depth that amps up the savory factor.
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together while providing a pleasant texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder for a perfect, cohesive mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and irresistible flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that makes every bite pop.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the meatballs an authentic Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For brushing the tops to create a golden, luscious finish.
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional): The perfect partner for dipping or smothering your meatballs in comforting tomatoey goodness.
How to Make Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for easy cleanup and helps ensure your meatballs cook evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Gently
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything with care until just incorporated—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so gentle is the way to go.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form about 18 to 20 evenly sized meatballs. Placing them on your prepared baking sheet ensures they will bake evenly and hold their shape.
Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over the tops of the meatballs. This simple step is the secret to achieving a golden, slightly crisp exterior that you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear nicely cooked through. For an extra golden finish, you can broil them for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, these meatballs are ready to shine—serve them warm right away or dress them up with your favorite marinara sauce.
How to Serve Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding just the right touch of color and richness right on top.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with classic spaghetti or any pasta of choice. For a low-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Crusty bread is also a fantastic way to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing these meatballs into soft hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub. You can also skewer them with cherry tomatoes and basil for a fun appetizer or party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for an easy, protein-packed lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months and can be baked from frozen when needed.
Reheating
Reheat your meatballs covered in marinara sauce in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain moisture. Microwaving is a quick option, but can sometimes dry them out, so keep an eye on the timing.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe and will yield similar results with a slightly different flavor.
What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
No worries—plain breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of dried Italian herbs or a bit of grated Parmesan can easily substitute to keep those lovely flavors intact.
Do I need to add the marinara sauce?
While marinara is optional, it adds a vibrant, tangy complement to the meatballs. However, they are delicious even on their own or with a simple olive oil drizzle.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check the seasoning blends to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I make these meatballs vegan?
This particular recipe relies on ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and egg for texture and flavor, so it’s not vegan-friendly as written—though exploring plant-based substitutes could be a fun experiment!
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe is such a joy to make and eat. It hits the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, easy to prepare and impressive enough to serve to guests. So grab your ingredients, roll up those meatballs, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this amazing dish—you might just find it becoming your new favorite!
Print
Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, creamy ricotta, and aromatic Italian herbs, they bake to perfection in the oven for a tender, juicy result. Perfect served with marinara sauce, over pasta or with crusty bread, this Italian-American classic offers a high-protein, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving (Optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 18 to 20 evenly sized meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Oil Meatballs: Lightly brush or drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help with browning and keep them moist during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broil (Optional): For a golden-brown finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the meatballs for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce, atop pasta, or alongside crusty bread for a comforting, complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and light.
- These meatballs freeze well after baking; cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the Italian-style breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey without altering the flavor significantly.
