Ricotta Meatballs in Parmesan Cream
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork/veal)
3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta, well stirred
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small clove, minced)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1โ2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Parmesanโspinach cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream (or 3/4 cup cream + 1/4 cup milk)
1/2โ3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, to taste
3โ4 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch nutmeg (optional)
Lemon wedge, to brighten (optional)
Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Mix meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground meat, ricotta, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently just to combine (overmixing toughens).
Shape
With damp hands, form 18โ22 golfโballโsize meatballs. Chill 10 minutes to help them hold shape.
Brown
Heat a large skillet (oven-safe if finishing there) over mediumโmediumโhigh. Add 1โ2 tbsp olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to color most sides, 5โ7 minutes total (theyโll finish in sauce). Transfer to a plate.
Make the cream sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter; when melted, add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in flour; whisk 30โ60 seconds.
Whisk in broth gradually, then cream. Simmer 2โ3 minutes until slightly thick.
Stir in Parmesan, Dijon (if using), salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust (you want savory but not too salty; cheese will add salt).
Add spinach and meatballs
Stir spinach into the sauce to wilt (30โ60 seconds).
Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce with any juices. Simmer gently 8โ10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through (165ยฐF/74ยฐC inside) and sauce is creamy. If it gets too thick, splash in a bit of broth or milk; if thin, simmer a minute uncovered.
Optional brightness: a small squeeze of lemon to finish.
Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Great with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or crusty bread.
Tips and swaps
Extra tender: let the breadcrumb sit 2โ3 minutes with 1โ2 tbsp milk before mixing.
Bake instead of pan-brown: arrange on an oiled sheet; bake 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) for 12โ15 min, then simmer in sauce 5โ7 min.
Lighter option: use ground turkey + 1 tbsp olive oil in the mix; keep the ricotta for moisture.
Tomato version: swap cream sauce for marinara; simmer meatballs 10โ12 min and finish with a scoop of ricotta.
Makeโahead
Shape meatballs up to 24 hours ahead (cover and chill) or freeze raw on a tray, then bag. Cook from thawed; add a couple minutes to simmer time.