Description
These Oven Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with creamy ricotta cheese for moist, flavorful results. Baked to perfection, they make a perfect main course for an Italian-American inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over the tops of the meatballs. This helps them brown nicely in the oven while keeping them moist.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the meatballs stay moist.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or substitute fresh basil for the parsley.
- These meatballs freeze well after baking; reheat them in your favorite sauce or in the oven.
- Serve the meatballs with pasta, inside a sub sandwich, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
