Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Meatballs
Marinara Sauce
Housemade Ricotta
Grana Padano
Method
Meatballs
- 1
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 2
Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 3
Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Marinara Sauce
- 4
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 5
Add Tomatoes
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes, including their juice. Use a spoon to break them up into smaller pieces.
- 6
Season the Sauce
Add fresh basil, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Housemade Ricotta
- 7
Heat the Milk and Cream
In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 8
Add Lemon Juice
Once simmering, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle.
- 9
Strain the Ricotta
Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the mixture into the sieve and let it drain for about 15 minutes. Gather the cloth and gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.
Assembly
- 10
Combine and Serve
In a serving dish, place the baked meatballs and spoon the marinara sauce over them. Top with dollops of housemade ricotta and sprinkle with grated Grana Padano cheese.