Ricotta Meatballs with Crispy Parmesan Topping Recipe
These Ricotta Meatballs with a crispy topping feature tender turkey meatballs blended with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, baked in savory tomato sauce, and finished under the broiler for a golden crust. A comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner, served best with a green salad and garlic bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated 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 your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all ingredients and prepare for mixing.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches each in diameter, for even cooking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil evenly into the bottom of a shallow Dutch oven or an oven-safe pan to prevent sticking, then arrange the meatballs evenly in the pan without overcrowding.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. After baking, use a spatula to gently loosen the meatballs from the pan, checking for nice browning underneath.
- Add Sauce: Pour the entire jar of tomato sauce directly over the meatballs in the pan, stirring gently to coat them completely.
- Prepare Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and chopped parsley until combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the sauced meatballs.
- Final Bake and Broil: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to heat the sauce through. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Serve hot with a fresh green salad and garlic bread to enjoy with the savory sauce.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or other ground meats if preferred instead of turkey.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meatball mixture.
- Watch closely during broiling as the topping can quickly go from golden to burnt.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread as an alternative to salad and garlic bread.
