Sausage Meatballs With Ricotta In Tomato Sauce

Meet the ultimate comfort food combination: sausage meatballs smothered in rich, flavorful tomato sauce and flecked with creamy ricotta cheese.

This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Prepare to swoon over the tender meatballs and tangy sauce that will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.

You should end up with around 21-22 meatballs.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat evenly.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking, heat the crushed tomatoes in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them into the saucepan with the tomato sauce.

Let them simmer in the sauce for at least 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.

You can serve them as is, with pasta, or with some crusty bread – whatever you prefer!

Notes

For the best results, use high-quality sweet Italian sausage for maximum flavor.

Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as it can lead to dense meatballs.

If you find the mixture too sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

Use a light hand when shaping the meatballs, as you want them to be delicate and not compacted.

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as the meatballs need room to cook evenly.

If using fresh basil as a garnish, add it just before serving to prevent it from wilting.

You can also make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them for later use.

Reheat them in the tomato sauce before serving.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 442
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 29g