Italian Beef Meatball
This Italian Beef Meatball Recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs featuring ricotta cheese that are bursting with authentic Italian flavors.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 lbs ground beef ((80/20 is best))
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano (chopped)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground fennel
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Marinara (Meatless Spaghetti Sauce)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat bottom of a 13×9″ roasting pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl add the ground beef, eggs, ricotta, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and seasonings. Mix thoroughly by hand.
- 3
By hand or scoop, make 24 to 28 meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Stack them tightly in the baking dish so all sides are touching.
- 4
Roast for 20 minutes (internal temp should be 165°F). While roasting, heat your favorite Marinara (Meatless Spaghetti Sauce).
- 5
OPTIONAL: Feel free to simmer cooked meatballs in your favorite spaghetti sauce (or gravy) or serve immediately with sauce spooned over your favorite pasta or in a sub sandwich.