This cheesy ricotta meatball skillet recipe is one of my favorite easy dishes that's perfect when served as an appetizer or as a meal. I recommend pairing it with griddle ciabatta, focaccia, Hawaiian buns or even spaghetti.
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What is a Cheesy Ricotta Meatball Skillet?
This Cheesy Ricotta Meatball Skillet is a dish that exudes comfort and indulgence in every bite, making it a favorite for both appetizers and main courses.
Imagine succulent ricotta infused meatballs, each carefully seasoned and cooked to perfection, nestled in a rich, savory sauce that's generously dotted with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Under the broiler, the cheese melts beautifully, creating pockets of creamy goodness that blend harmoniously with the robust flavors of the meatballs.
This skillet dish becomes a combinations of textures and tastes, especially when paired with the right kind of bread.
Whether you opt for the crispy, charred edges of griddle ciabatta, the soft, airy pockets of focaccia, or the sweet, fluffy layers of Hawaiian buns, each choice adds its unique character to the meal.
You could also serve with a big bowl of al dente spaghetti, orzo or bucatini.
Whichever route you chose, the results end in a delicious meal that's so cozy and comforting.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the Meatballs
- Ground Beef - Ground Beef is ideal but you could use turkey or even chicken if you can't do beef.
- Egg - There is no real substitution for egg in this recipe.
- Ricotta - You could swap the ricotta for mascarpone or even cream cheese.
- Parmigiano - Any hard aged italian cheese will work in parms place. Try asiago, pecorino romano or even grana padano.
- Garlic Cloves - I do not recommend switching out fresh garlic for the preminced jarred variety. It just doesn't hit the same way!
- Italian Breadcrumbs - If you don't have seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, you could try panko and add an extra dash of seasoning.
- Kosher Salt - Table salt doesn't work the same way as kosher salt so I recommend sticking to this variety.
- Italian Seasoning - You could absolutely make your own Italian seasoning with garlic powder, basil, rosemary, thyme, and onion powder.
- Olive oil - Any neutral oil will work just fine.
For the Skillet
- Marinara Sauce - Make your own or use a jar of Raos!
- Ricotta Cheese - You could swap the ricotta for burrata or even mascarpone.
- Low Moisture Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella works just fine in place of the shredded low moisture kind.
How to make it
Making this ricotta meatball recipe is super easy so let's get to it!
FIrst, preheat oven to 400F degrees.
Now add all the ingredients for the meatballs to a large mixing bowl and mix until combined.
Roll into 1.5 inch golf ball sized balls and place in a greased oven safe baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes then remove from the heat.
Pour a jar of marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs and add spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese all over the top.
Place the skillet back in the oven and cook until the sauce is bubbling, for about 5 more minutes at 400F degrees then finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and serve with bread or pasta.
What goes with Cheesy Ricotta Meatball Skillet
This cheesy ricotta meatball skillet goes really well with chicken tortellini alfredo or this marry me tortellini.
You could also pair it with veggies like this brown sugar roasted butternut squash, some winter pasta salad, or even this roasted feta soup.
Frequently asked questions
How to cook meatballs from the store?
To masterfully cook store-bought meatballs with a touch of gourmet flair, simply brown them in a skillet until they're gloriously golden and crispy on the outside. Then simmer in your favorite sauce to infuse them with rich, delectable flavors – a simple yet chic twist on a classic. On top, melt some delicious cheese and broil to bubbly and yummy.
How is ricotta traditionally made?
Traditionally, ricotta is crafted in a beautifully rustic and artisanal process, where the leftover whey from cheese-making is reheated, coaxed into soft, fluffy curds, and then lovingly strained to create this creamy, dreamy Italian delight. It's a magical transformation from humble beginnings to a luxuriously versatile cheese that dances on the taste buds!
What is special about ricotta cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a culinary superstar, standing out with its delightfully light and creamy texture that effortlessly adds a touch of velvety luxury to both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile and beloved ingredient in the foodie world. Its subtle, mildly sweet flavor provides a canvas of possibilities, elevating recipes from ordinary to extraordinary with its gentle, luscious embrace.
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Recipe
Cheesy Ricotta Meatball Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Rcotta
- ¼ cup Parmigiano grated
- 3 cloves Garlic grated
- ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
For the Skillet
- 1 24 oz jar Marinara Sauce room temp
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- ½ cup Low Moisture Mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
- Add all of the meatball ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix until combined.
- Roll into 1.5 inch golf ball sized balls and place in a greased oven safe baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes then remove from the heat.
- Pour a jar of marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs and add spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese and mozzarella all over the top.
- Place the skillet back in the oven and cook until the sauce is bubbling, for about 5 more minutes at 400F degrees then finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned,
