Baked Meatballs in Marinara with Whipped Ricotta

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Mix until fully combined, but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Whipped Ricotta
While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the ricotta cheese and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.

4. Simmer in Marinara Sauce
In a large cast-iron skillet or saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.

Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them into the skillet with the sauce.

Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Assemble the Dish
Once the meatballs are simmering, dollop the whipped ricotta over each meatball, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Serving and Storage Tips