If you're a fan of classic Italian meatballs but want a healthier alternative, look no further than these ricotta meatballs made with ground turkey. With a light and fluffy texture and packed with protein, these meatballs are a satisfying option for any meal.
Not only are these ricotta meatballs delicious, but they're also easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you can have a batch of meatballs ready in no time. Plus, they're versatile and can be served with your favorite pasta or on their own as a protein-packed snack.
The use of ground turkey and ricotta cheese in this recipe makes it a healthier option compared to traditional meatballs made with beef and breadcrumbs. Ground turkey is a lean protein that is lower in fat and calories than beef, while ricotta cheese adds moisture and flavor without adding extra fat. Together, they create a healthier yet still flavorful meatball that is sure to become a new family favorite.
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3 Reasons Why You Will Love Our High Protein Turkey Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Healthier Option: As mentioned before, using ground turkey and ricotta cheese in this recipe makes it a healthier option compared to traditional meatballs made with beef. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Incredibly Moist: The use of ricotta cheese in these meatballs not only adds flavor but also helps to keep them incredibly moist. This is perfect for anyone who has had dry meatballs in the past and wants a recipe that ensures they will be juicy and flavorful.
- Versatile: These ricotta meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be served with pasta, added to soups or stews, or even eaten on their own as a snack. This versatility makes them perfect for meal prepping or for making a quick and easy meal during the week.
You may also love our macro-friendly Thai turkey meatballs and brown rice recipe!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner and healthier option compared to beef. It is a great source of protein and is lower in fat and calories. I used 93/7% ground turkey.
- Ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is a creamy and mild cheese that is used in this recipe to add moisture and flavor to the meatballs. To keep it light, opt for part skim ricotta cheese.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A classic Italian, salty cheese that is used in this recipe to add flavor and a bit of texture to the meatballs.
- Fresh parsley: This herb is used to add freshness and color to the meatballs. It also adds a bit of flavor.
- Egg: An egg is used in this recipe to help bind the meatballs together.
- Garlic: You can never have too much garlic! I like to skip the process of cutting it myself and always have a jar of minced garlic on hand.
- Onion: I used a yellow onion. This will help flavor our meat!
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper: Basic seasonings used to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Marinara sauce: For this recipe, we toss the meatballs in marinara sauce. If using for another recipe, simply leave this ingredient out!
Kitchen Tools Required
- Large bowl
- Spatula
- Large sheet pan
- Aluminum foil
- Cookie scooper/Spoon
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Ricotta Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet on medium heat, sauté your onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Take off heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, onions, salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls that are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You may use a cookie scooper or spoon to help measure.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, turn the broil on for about 5 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir the meatballs in the sauce until they are fully coated.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Swaps or Alternatives
Here are some swaps and alternatives for Ricotta Meatballs:
- Protein: Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be used instead of ground turkey for a variation in flavor.
- Cheese: Instead of using ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be used in the same quantity. It provides a similar creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Gluten free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Quick Tip(s)
Here are some quick tips for making this recipe:
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly, but avoid over-mixing the meat as it can make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them.
- To ensure the meatballs cook evenly, try to make them the same size. You can use a cookie scoop or a measuring spoon to portion out the mixture.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after frying to allow them to set and retain their shape. This also helps the flavors meld together.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can use any ground meat of your choice such as beef, pork, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes. Just keep in mind that the nutritional values and cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you use.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with any other soft cheese such as cottage cheese or even cream cheese. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of the meatballs slightly.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Of course, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. Use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs if substituting for fresh ones.
Macros & Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 3 meatballsÂ
| Macros | Nutrition |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284 |
| Protein | 27.7g |
| Carbs | 18.4g |
| Fat | 11.8g |
Macro Friendly Turkey Ricotta Stuffed Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Large sheet pan
- 1 Aluminum foil
- 1 Cookie scooper/Spoon
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey, 93/7%
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup part skim ricotta
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 24oz jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet on medium heat, sauté your onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Take off heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, onions, salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls that are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter (makes ~15 meatballs). You may use a cookie scoop or spoon to help measure.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, turn the broil on for about 5 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir the meatballs in the sauce until they are fully coated.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
