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Ricotta Meatballs with Crispy Parmesan Topping Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 20-24 meatballs, serves 4-6 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

These Ricotta Meatballs with The Crispy Topping are a delightful fusion of tender, juicy turkey meatballs blended with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, baked to perfection and finished with a crunchy, golden panko topping. Served in a rich, savory tomato sauce, they make a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Topping

  • 1 jar (28-32 ounces) tomato sauce (marinara or pasta sauce)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish and topping mix)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Begin by gathering all ingredients and preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing yourself for assembling the meatballs.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are just incorporated to retain tenderness.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  4. Prepare Pan and Arrange Meatballs: Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of a shallow Dutch oven or other oven-safe pan to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs evenly spaced in the pan.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Gently loosen the meatballs from the bottom with a spatula to check for nice browning.
  6. Add Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce directly over the baked meatballs in the pan. Stir gently to coat each meatball thoroughly with the sauce.
  7. Prepare Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup panko, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and chopped parsley until combined and slightly moistened.
  8. Top Meatballs: Sprinkle the prepared crispy topping evenly over the sauced meatballs in the pan.
  9. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes to warm the sauce and develop the topping. For the last 2 to 3 minutes, switch on the broiler setting to get the topping golden and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. These meatballs are delicious with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.

Notes

  • Ground chicken or other ground meats can be substituted for turkey.
  • Use full-fat ricotta for best texture and flavor in the meatballs.
  • The broiler step is critical for achieving the crispy topping; monitor closely to avoid burning.
  • These meatballs freeze well if you want to prepare in advance.
  • Serve with sides like spaghetti, rice, or crusty bread to complement the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: ricotta meatballs, turkey meatballs, baked meatballs, crispy topping, Italian meatballs, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, tomato sauce meatballs

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Find it online: https://kitchenflavorspot.com/ricotta-meatballs-with-crispy-parmesan-topping-recipe/