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
Scale
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.
