Description
These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful Italian-American main course. Made with lean ground turkey combined with creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, they are baked to perfection and simmered in marinara sauce for a juicy, tender texture. This recipe offers a protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly brush or drizzle the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help with browning and moisture retention during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring food safety.
- Warm Sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat to have it ready for serving.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the warmed marinara sauce and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, spooned over the marinara sauce, optionally with pasta, bread, or a side salad.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of milk to the meatball mixture if it feels dry.
- Alternative cooking method: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes instead of baking for a quicker option.
- These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months; reheat them directly in the marinara sauce for convenience.
