I have made these Baked Turkey Meatballs with Ricotta so many times over the last few months I have seriously lost count. I can honestly say that they have been a huge hit every time.
I have one memory associated with them, that definitely stands out from all the others. Last year we spent the Labor day long weekend with two other couples and their kids in a little log cabin by the water at Lake Tahoe. It was perfect, idyllic even. We ate, we drank, we watched the fireworks, we went for a hike (if you count riding to the top on the gondola, and then turning back 5 minutes later because 4 of the 6 children were whining, then sure, we hiked), took the canoes out on the lake, and played charades at night.
It was so much fun. I prepared a big batch of these baked turkey meatballs with ricotta, and some heirloom tomato sauce to bring with me, because as much as I love cooking, I just wanted to relax all weekend, and prepping food in a small house with 12 people hovering around, just wasn't on my agenda. Of course, I forgot to bring the pasta, and so our lovely friend Tom spent the evening hand making (as in, hand rolling and everything) spinach pappardelle while we sipped red wine and chatted. It was a real treat.
It is by far one of my fondest memories from last year, and one which I hope we will get the opportunity to repeat one day again soon. Although if I do get to repeat it, I will not have that 'one last glass of wine' at the end of the last night, after the kids had gone to bed, and the charades were getting heated...as the drive home the next day, sandwiched between two car seats in the back of a small car, was not my fondest memory from last year 🙂 Far from it. We live and we learn right?
Back to the baked turkey meatballs with ricotta. These little gems are very easy to prepare, if not a little time-consuming. They are light and fluffy, and simply delicious. I tend to make a double batch and freeze half (after cooking), as they hold up really well in the freezer. Just let them defrost, cover in your sauce of choice and bake for about 20 minutes.
If you loved this then you are going to love these too:
- Turkey and Sweet Potato Chilli in The Instant Pot
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- Smoky Spanish Meatballs Recipe For The Whole Family
Be sure to pop back and let me know if you try these baked turkey meatballs. Leave a comment, like on Facebook, or pin to Pinterest for later!
Recipe
Baked Turkey Meatballs with Ricotta
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Ingredients
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoon whole milk
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese plus more to serve
- 1 egg beaten
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ cup red onion minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ⅔ cup homemade whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- salt and pepper to taste
- I batch homemade tomato sauce or 1 jar store bought sauce, replacing the heirlooms with regular tomatoes if that's what you have
- freshly cooked pasta to serve
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients (except for the tomato sauce and pasta), and mix to ensure everything is well combined
- Cover and let the mixture rest in the fridge for about 30 mins
- Preheat the oven to 400F
- Coat the bottom of a large roasting pan with some avocado oil (or cooking oil of choice), roll the turkey mixture into balls (a heaped tablespoon for each ball), and place in the prepared pan. Ensure the balls are not touching
- Roast the meatballs for 15 mins
- Remove the meatballs from the oven, reduce the temperature to 325F and then pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs, return to the oven and cook for another 20 mins
- Once cooked through, serve the meatballs over some freshly cooked pasta, with a big scoop of sauce. Top wth a sprinkle of parsley and another of parmesan, serve and enjoy
Kim says
I just came across ground turkey a few months ago. Was looking for a lighter sub to beef. Made these tonight and they were a big hit. I hadn't realized I didn't have any pasta in the house so I ended up making meatball heroes. This one's a keeper for sure.
Donna1 says
Yay, so glad they were a hit!! Always a fav in our house 🙂
Cindy says
I made these, but with cottage instead since I didn't have the ricotta, and they turned out soooo delicious! Making them again soon!
Donna1 says
Oh yum, I am going to have to try them with the cottage cheese next time!! I always have a big tub of it in the fridge, and always struggle to finish it up 🙂
Dana says
I have never liked meatballs until your recipe. These were delicious! I did try to pan fry these but don't be like me, they just fell apart. Will bake them from now on!
Will make again and again!
Donna1 says
Oh I am so glad you loved them Dana, that makes me so happy 🙂 Yeah they are way too delicate to pan fry, they hold together so well when baked though!
Charlotte says
I love love love the look of these! so delicious and pasta and meatball is always enjoyed in this house! it's great these are turkey too because it's healthier than beef and pork so would definitely be preferred!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you for your lovely words Charlotte! My kids are so crazy for pasta and meatballs, it's ridiculous!!
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Milena says
I make my meatballs like this. The ricotta keeps them so moist!
Donna1 says
It does doesn't it!
Tiffany Cruz says
Wouldn't you like to come over and cook for my family and I? This looks so good. One day I'll try to make it myself.
Donna1 says
Haha I would love to Tiffany 🙂
Athena says
Yum - my kids are addicted to meatballs and pasta. This would be a new variation to try for them. Your photos are also amazing.
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Athena 🙂 My kids are addicted as well, every night when I ask what they want it is always meatballs or pizza 🙂
keikilani says
You had me at Meatball! We are obsessed with good meatballs in our house. These look so good.
Donna1 says
My kids are so obsessed it is ridiculous! I have to admit I have become quite partial myself, and I love this version because it isn't too 'meaty'!
Janeane Davis says
It is always amazing to see how many of our memories are wrapped around food. It is a universal feel good thing.
Donna1 says
It is, isn't it! All of the recipes on my site have such lovely moments attached to them 🙂
Ashley @irishred02 says
Homemade meatballs are one of my favs. I need to try it with turkey meat!
Donna1 says
You should give it a go, I only recently realised how good turkey meat can be, and now I am hooked!
Amanda Love says
I should definitely make me some and freeze them. They sound absolutely delicious and I'm sure the family would love them..
Donna1 says
I hope they do! They work so well frozen, which is a huge plus on a busy day!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
We use turkey instead of red meat also. Your meatballs looks amazing, I will have to try this recipe!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you 🙂 I am not a big fan of red meat, unless is a very special occasion, and turkey works so well here!
Lois Alter Mark says
Wow, those look delicious! If I had the ingredients in the house right now, I would definitely be making them for dinner!
Cathy says
I never would have thought to put ricotta cheese in meatballs, but this sounds amazing. I have no doubt my family would love them!
Donna1 says
It makes them super light and fluffy - not too 'meaty'!
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Yum, these sound sooo good. I haven't made turkey meatballs in a while and I will have to try this recipe ASAP! P.S. I think you meant to say panko, not panic. 😉
Donna1 says
Oh haha, thanks for that - spellcheck!!
Rebecca Bryant says
YUM!! this looks so good. My family does like their meatballs. I must try this one.
Donna1 says
Hope you love them as much as we do 🙂
Brittany @ Everyday Thoughts says
These look so amazing. I love trying different variations of meatballs.It's such a versatile food and they're the perfect vehicle to try different flavor combinations. I can't wait to try these!
Donna1 says
Me too, they are one of those foods that my kids will eat no matter what, so we tend to experiment with flavours a lot to mix things up (so mum and dad don't get sick of them) 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
These look awesome. I love meatballs and turkey is perfect for these. Nice and saucy too.
Donna1 says
Thanks Gloria 🙂
Mira-Children's Book Academy says
Those look absolutely divine! I've not thought about turkey meatballs before but it would be a lovely spin on things
Donna1 says
I only recently started experimenting with turkey mince, and now they are they are definitely my go to when it comes to meatballs!