• Home
  • About
    • This IS My Real Job
    • 5 Things I’ve Learned…
  • Beautycounter
    • Become a Beautycounter Consultant: FAQs
  • Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Travel
  • Amazon Lists
  • Instagram
  • Fitness
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Heather's Dish

Heather's Dish

Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs

Share
Pin8
Tweet
8 Shares

This weekend was WILD y’all.

That’s right, totally wild.  I did crazy things like GO TO PARTIES and STAYED UP WAY PAST MY BEDTIME and CAME THISCLOSE TO DRINKING A VODKA TONIC.

This all makes me sound sort of lame, right?

Well let’s just put it all in perspective real quick:  we went to a going-away party for some very good friends of ours and took Weston with us.  I had every intention of having a beer or two and then I forgot a vital part of Wes’s bottle that keeps it from leaking everywhere and then had to nurse him at the party instead of giving him the milk we brought.  And thus, no alcohol for Heather.

But it was almost totally WILD.  Almost completely crazy!

In other news, these meatballs are sort of like a party in your mouth.  I’ve searched long and hard for a great meatball recipe, trying my hand at baking them, frying them, browning and then baking, and yet I just couldn’t find THE ONE.  Until now.  The secret is the ricotta cheese and then baking them in the sauce that makes all the difference – trust me.  You want these.

BAKED TURKEY RICOTTA MEATBALLS

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 8 oz ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp prepared pesto

Preheat oven to 350.  Heat a skillet over medium low heat; add the oil and onion and saute until translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add the garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in the spinach; it will wilt with the carry-over cooking from the onions and garlic.  Let the mixture cool for about 4-5 minutes off the heat.  In a large bowl mix together the eggs, parmesan, bread crumbs, ricotta and Italian seasoning.  When the onion mixture has cooled fold that in.  Add the turkey and, using your hands, mix until everything is well combined.  Form into 20 meatballs (about 2 inches in diameter).  Wash your hands.  In another bowl mix together the tomatoes and pesto.  Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.  Pour about 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture into the bottom of the pan, then evenly place the meatballs on top – you may have to squish them together some, but they’ll shrink a bit during the cooking.  Top the meatballs with the remaining tomato mixture.  Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350 for 2.5 hours.  Let sit for a few minutes when done baking to let them cool and to allow the juices to stay in the meatballs.  Serve hot!

I’m telling y’all – it’s wild!

Share
Pin8
Tweet
8 Shares


31 Comments

Subscribe for the latest.

« Happy Father’s Day!
Old Bay Salmon Cake Sliders »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Catherine says

    September 19, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Love these! So nice and light. The ricotta really helps the texture. I’ve made something similar with feta before, but these are better. I made them with kale last time (I had farmer’s market turkey, kale, and homemade ricotta – a failed yogurt making attempt that I then strained) and they were wonderful. I was eating them out of the fridge after the kids went to bed! Going to try again today with some dandelion greens and store bought ricotta this time.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      September 19, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      thanks catherine! i’m so glad you liked them – they really are a go-to for us these days. i like that you’re using different greens too!

      Reply
  2. Christina @ This Woman Cooks! says

    June 21, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Maybe these will make my hubby a meatball lover. Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
  3. Bev @ Bev Cooks says

    June 20, 2012 at 10:52 am

    OH MAMA. I’ll totes let you feed me 4 billion of these.

    Reply
  4. Laurie {Simply Scratch} says

    June 19, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    Heather I love how you snuck some spinach in these! You’re so clever!

    Reply
  5. Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    Adding riccotta is a great idea, especially since ive found turkey meatballs to be drier than ground beef ones!

    Reply
  6. Nicole, RD says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    I’m not normally a huge meatball fan, but these sound fantastic! I love the spinach in there 🙂

    Reply
  7. Rachel Cooks says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:37 am

    Total comfort food. They look great!

    Reply
  8. DessertForTwo says

    June 18, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Looooove a good baked meatball. And your almost partyin’ cracked me up! 🙂

    Reply
    • Heather says

      June 18, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      i am tres cool 🙂

      Reply
  9. Liz @ Tip Top Shape says

    June 18, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Ooohh this looks good!!!

    Reply
  10. Charise says

    June 18, 2012 at 9:33 am

    I love meatballs with ricotta! I will def be trying your way using turkey with spinach added.

    Reply
  11. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says

    June 18, 2012 at 9:09 am

    Girl, mmmm. Just MMMM!

    Reply
  12. Lauren T says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Those look delicious! Where did you get the idea to use ricotta in them?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      June 18, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      honestly i would normally have added milk to the mixture, but was out and saw that i had an 8-oz container of ricotta in the fridge! it worked out perfectly!

      Reply
  13. Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com} says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:36 am

    Sounds fabulous! A GOOD Spaghetti and meatballs dinner really can’t be beat. Pinning this for later.

    Reply
  14. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

    June 18, 2012 at 8:16 am

    I love trying new meatball recipes – and this one with ricotta sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  15. Aggie says

    June 18, 2012 at 7:24 am

    Oh these meatballs look awesome! Love that you added ricotta, never tried that! I’ll hav to bake these up soon.

    Have a great week!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Baked Turkey Meatballs w. Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce | Attempts in Domesticity says:
    April 18, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    […] gave up on the search and turned to my old friend Google. After some browsing I decided on this recipe from Heather’s Dish. Even though I knew it wasn’t the recipe I had been thinking about, […]

    Reply
  2. What’s in the Box? #68 | In Her Chucks says:
    April 4, 2013 at 2:12 am

    […] Turkey Ricotta Meatballs always seem to be my go-to recipe for spinach, but it’s such a hit I can’t resist. […]

    Reply
  3. Monthly Goals & Meal Planning | LilMysNinja says:
    February 23, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    […] Spaghetti with Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs […]

    Reply
  4. Fit In Fitness Weekly Recap + Meal Planning {1/6/13} | LilMysNinja says:
    February 22, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    […] Spaghetti with Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs […]

    Reply
  5. Meal Planning {12/9 – 12/15} | LilMysNinja says:
    February 22, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    […] Spaghetti with Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs […]

    Reply
  6. Fit In Fitness Weekly Recap & Meal Planning {1/13} | LilMysNinja says:
    February 22, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    […] Spaghetti with Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs […]

    Reply
  7. What’s in the Box? Recipe Roundup #5 | In Her Chucks says:
    January 31, 2013 at 12:38 am

    […] what I did.  And even though it was just used as a garnish, it was a good excuse to execute another delicious meatball recipe.  The end result was a bit too spicy for me so I plan on cutting back on the jalapeño next time […]

    Reply
  8. What’s in the Box? Recipe Roundup #4 « In Her Chucks says:
    December 27, 2012 at 2:09 am

    […] squeezed orange juice.  Then we snuggled up on the couch and watched Home Alone while a batch of Turkey Ricotta Meatballs baked in the oven.  Family time, good food and relaxation…the perfect way to celebrate […]

    Reply
  9. What’s in the Box? #49 « In Her Chucks says:
    October 25, 2012 at 2:28 am

    […] sale fundraiser, so these oranges are just on time!  I will also be throwing some of my favorite Baked Turkey Ricotta Meatballs in the oven for company on Saturday, thanks to that lovely bunch of spinach.  And of course, what […]

    Reply
  10. What I Ate Wednesday #10 « In Her Chucks says:
    October 10, 2012 at 12:53 am

    […] Homemade Turkey Ricotta Meatballs with Tri-Colored Quinoa […]

    Reply
  11. What’s in the Box? #45 « In Her Chucks says:
    September 27, 2012 at 2:12 am

    […] I get fresh spinach I always love to whip up a batch of Harper’s favorite dinner…these Turkey Ricotta Meatballs.  They are the perfect meal for growing toddlers and hungry […]

    Reply
  12. What’s in the Box? #33 « In Her Chucks says:
    July 5, 2012 at 1:13 am

    […] mean to be on turkey overload, but when I saw the spinach, all I could think about were these meatballs.  They are super delicious, filling and are great served with a side of quinoa.  I love how they […]

    Reply
  13. What’s in the Box? #31 « In Her Chucks says:
    June 20, 2012 at 11:59 pm

    […] have been dying to make these meatballs for dinner this week.  The red onions will work great in this recipe.  That is if Freddie […]

    Reply

Subscribe



Featured on BlogHer.com




Instagram

For my @fasterwaytofatloss friends, here’s an AM For my @fasterwaytofatloss friends, here’s an AMAZING low-carb day dish: roasted cauliflower with smoked paprika and almonds! It’s so simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and pairs really well with truly any protein. Enjoy!

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA AND ALMONDS
* 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
* 2 Tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp pepper
* 1/3 cup slivered raw almonds
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Spread the cauliflower florets onto a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, then toss to evenly coat it all.
4. Roast at 375 for 25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
5. When there are 3 minutes left, open the oven and sprinkle the almonds on top.
6. Roast for another 3-4 minutes until the almonds are just lightly toasted, then remove and serve immediately.
Captain’s log: Going on day 174 (give or take) o Captain’s log: Going on day 174 (give or take) of being iced in, virtual schooling, working full time, creating snow day memories, working out, eating healthfully, and trying to remember to wash my face (spoiler: today I did not wash my face. Yet). Getting me through: significantly lower expectations, coffee, and drinking smoothies by the fireplace. If there’s a silver lining in the quarantines from last year it’s that I know now that I can handle much more chaos than I thought I could 🤪
A little #howitstartedvshowitsgoing situation with A little #howitstartedvshowitsgoing situation with my avocado plant! Swipe to see this little guy as a teeny sprout 🌱 

I remember when I wasn’t sure it would sprout at all, and then one day the seed split and there it was! We also hit a point November-January where there was zero growth and I wondered again if it was a waste of time.

Now there are new leaves, new height, and (most importantly) stronger roots, all because of a little patience and care (it’s a metaphor y’all 😆). I find myself excited about the next season where it will be planted in dirt, which will offer new challenges - and growth- of its own. What a blessing to learn such deep lessons from a humble seed!

God, thank you for the little things that show us how much the little things matter. Amen.
Why am I looking away? Simple: because it was the Why am I looking away?

Simple: because it was the best photo out of a billion that I took of myself 🤣 Sometimes it all works, today it didn’t. 

Wanna know what DOES work though? This amazing new deodorant! The biggest question I get about cleaner products is always about which is the best natural deodorant. Friends, I’ve found some decent ones in the past, but this one takes the cake!

And, because I know I’ll get asked, my favorite scents are in this order: Fresh Coconut, Soft Lavender, Clean Rose. The coconut smells like a vacation, and couldn’t we all use a vacay right now? 🏖 Link in the ol’ profile to shop!
🙋🏼‍♀️ Hi, my name is Heather and I str 🙋🏼‍♀️ Hi, my name is Heather and I struggle getting enough protein into my diet. Who else can relate?!

One of my physical health goals this year is to gain lean muscle and get stronger, which means that I need to be getting enough protein in on a daily basis. For me a great source of lean protein is chicken breasts, but if they don’t taste great I’m not having it! So, if this is you, I have a solution for you: BRINE YOUR CHICKEN BREASTS! 

Here’s my fail-proof brine recipe for perfectly flavorful chicken breasts. Cook ‘em however you want - just make sure you brine them first! The difference is enormously worth it!

Recipe is for about 4-6 chicken breasts:
•3 tablespoons kosher salt
•3 tablespoons honey
•2 cups lukewarm water
•2 cups cold water

In a large saucepan bring the first 3 ingredients to a simmer. Remove and stir until the salt is dissolved, then pour in the cold water. IT MUST BE COLD - otherwise the brine will start to cook the chicken breasts! When the mixture is lukewarm, add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re covered in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 1-6 hours (I recommend 6 if you can). When they’re finished, remove from the brine, rinse, pat dry and cook as desired!
🏃🏼‍♀️Who else is struggling with findi 🏃🏼‍♀️Who else is struggling with finding cardio equipment for their home gym on a budget?

I love running, walking and hiking, but weather, childcare, and a certain global pandemic make consistently getting out to do those kinda difficult. I’ve always enjoyed my #homegym, but quality cardio equipment is expensive! 

So what’s a girl to do?

This past fall I randomly decided to look at steppers, and found this @sunnyhealthfitness one on @walmart for $50! I just wanted something that I could use for 20-30 minutes 4-ish days a week, and it’s been an amazing fit. Would I like a Peloton? Duh, of course. But this has worked so well with the budget and space we have!

What’s your biggest struggle in curating a home gym?
A blurry pickup line photo to tell you I can’t r A blurry pickup line photo to tell you I can’t recommend seeing a counselor or therapist enough. I was weird about it first, felt like my problems weren’t big or messy enough to warrant professional help. And when I did start seeing my counselor I was awkward (this shouldn’t be a surprise). But here we are 4 months later and I’m seeing some incredible life-giving movement. God is so good, and I’m so thankful for friends who normalized counseling and therapy for me!
So. It’s been a while since I posted on the feed So. It’s been a while since I posted on the feed (or really in my stories too). Truthfully I’m still heavily processing the last 2 months, which were preceded by 10 other hard months. Life is brutal and beautiful and next-level hard and a joy, all swirled together. I won’t pretend that everything is OK; it’s not. I’m not.
.
BUT GOD.
.
This past weekend I had a moment of complete clarity and joy and the knowledge that I will be OK. And for that only-God moment I’m so thankful. For all of you who have been praying for our family, who have offered the sweetest words and condolences, who have truly been there, waiting and wading with me through the hard - thank you. God is still good. He is still on his throne. And I am so unwaveringly thankful for that!❤️
Just a couple quick reminders: ⭐️ healthy doe Just a couple quick reminders:

⭐️ healthy doesn’t have to be hard
⭐️ you’re allowed to “mess up”
⭐️ you’re allowed to be multidimensional
⭐️ don’t overcomplicate it 
⭐️ YOU ARE CAPABLE 

I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head these days, and half the time I don’t know which way is up. But I do know this: focusing on simplicity is the name of the game this year for me. It starts with the things I can control: my food intake, moving my body, my thoughts, my actions. The rest will stem from there!

Does anyone even do a word of the year anymore after 2020? If you do I’d love to see you share it below!
Follow @HeathersDish
POPSUGAR Select PLUS

You might also like…

Rut-tastic

Bad Breath Potato Salad

Whole30 in May shares how one mom of two boys is finding food freedom and healthier living in May. @heathersdish

Whole30 in May

Exactly How I Brine and Grill My Chicken in Bulk - a flavorful and easy way to enjoy grilled chicken any time you want. @heathersdish @heathereatshealthy

Exactly How I Brine and Grill My Chicken Breasts in Bulk

Blog Love: Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole

Copyright © 2021 · Heather Disarro · All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2021 · Heather's Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in