Ricotta Meatballs with Crispy Topping

 

Ingredients

For the Ricotta Meatballs:

• 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio, or ground chicken/other ground meats)
• 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Crispy Topping & Extras:

• 1 jar tomato sauce (28–32 oz marinara or pasta sauce)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Make the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning.
   • Mix everything together until fully combined.

3. Shape the Meatballs:

   • Roll the mixture into 20-24 small meatballs.
   • Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of an oven-safe pan (like a shallow Dutch oven) to prevent sticking.
   • Place the meatballs into the oiled pan.

4. Bake the Meatballs:

   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently loosen them from the pan after baking.

5. Add the Sauce:

   • Pour the tomato sauce directly into the pan over the meatballs.
   • Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

6. Prepare the Crispy Topping (Optional):

   • In a small bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and parsley.
   • Sprinkle the mixture over the meatballs and sauce.

7. Final Bake:

   • Return the pan to the oven for 5-7 more minutes to warm the sauce.
   • For the final 2-3 minutes, switch on the broiler to crisp up the topping. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with more chopped parsley and serve hot.
   • This dish is great with a green salad and garlic bread for dunking into the sauce!

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Notes:

• Internal Temperature: The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Pan Size Tip: If using a deeper pan, you may need to increase the baking time or cover the pan to ensure the meatballs cook evenly.

Enjoy these delicious Ricotta Meatballs with Crispy Topping! Perfect for a comforting meal.