Baked ricotta meatballs are made with ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then baked until tender and finished in a flavorful marinara sauce.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

If you’re looking for meatballs that are soft, flavorful, and never dry, these baked ricotta meatballs are it. Baking them first allows the meatballs to hold their shape and develop flavor before they’re finished in marinara sauce. The ricotta keeps them light and tender while the seasoned breadcrumbs and herbs bring everything together.

This is an easy, no fuss meatball recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner at home. The oven does most of the work, and finishing the meatballs in sauce makes them extra juicy without falling apart. I love how tender the ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs. It’s a family favorite of ours and I hope you love them, too.

What Are Ricotta Meatballs?

Ricotta meatballs are classic Italian style meatballs where ricotta cheese is mixed directly into the meat mixture. The ricotta doesn’t make them cheesy at all. It just makes them ultra tender, moist, and light.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious meatballs. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Ground Beef -The foundation of the dish. It adds richness, flavor, and that classic hearty meatball texture.
Ricotta Cheese- This is the secret to ultra tender meatballs. It adds moisture and lightness that prevents the meatballs from drying out while giving them a soft pillowy interior. I use Galbani Ricotta.
Egg- Holds everything together so the meatballs stay intact through baking and simmering in the sauce.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs- Helps keep the meatballs juicy while also adding subtle seasoning and structure. 4C Seasoned Breadcrumbs are my favorite for this.
Parmesan Cheese- Adds a slightly salty and nutty layer of flavor.
Salt & Pepper- Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the beef and balancing the richness of the cheese.
Garlic Powder- Adds savory depth without overpowering the meatballs. I use Mccormick.
Italian Seasoning- A classic blend that gives the meatballs that unmistakable Italian flavor. I used Simply Organic.
Marinara Sauce- Simmering the baked meatballs in marinara allows them to soak up flavor while finishing gently in the oven, making them extra tender and saucy. You can use jarred sauce- I love Raoes Marinara Sauce. I also have a great homemade recipe you can find HERE.
Fresh Basil- An optimal garnish that adds fresh flavor and a pop of color.

How To Make Them

Here’s how to make these delicious meatballs. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven to 350°

First, in a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Roll them into 2-3” balls and put them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place them into the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes.

PRO TIP: Drain the ricotta if it’s too watery or the meatballs will fall apart.

PRO TIP: Stop once everything is just combined and don’t over mix the meat.

Now, add the marinara sauce to the bottom of a baking dish or a large oven safe skillet. Once the meatballs are done baking, nestle them into the marinara sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs. Lightly sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add a few dollops of ricotta in between the meatballs.

Finally, place them back into the oven for another 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. Garnish with fresh shredded basil (optional) and enjoy!

What Can I Serve This With?

These meatballs are wonderful over pasta, polenta, with Homemade Garlic Bread, or on a roll.

Why Do My Meatballs Taste Bland?

Ricotta cheese tends to meat seasoning so you may need a little extra salt than you normally use. Feel free to add a little extra seasonings if you’d like also?.

Storage

Let the meatballs cool completely and place them into an air tight container. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. They freeze well, too! Just place them into a freezer safe air tight container and they will last for up to three months.