Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRed Rabbit MinneapolisMini Meatball Recipe

Mini Meatball Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Red sauce, garlic ricotta, crouton, parmesan

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Red Sauce

Garlic Ricotta

Croutons

Topping

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.

  2. 2

    Shape the Meatballs

    Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

  3. 3

    Cook the Meatballs

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Red Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In the same skillet, add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  2. 5

    Make the Sauce

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. 6

    Add Meatballs to Sauce

    Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Garlic Ricotta

  1. 7

    Mix the Ricotta

    In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Croutons

  1. 8

    Prepare the Croutons

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.

  2. 9

    Bake the Croutons

    Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Assembly

  1. 10

    Serve the Mini Meatballs

    Place the meatballs in a bowl and spoon the red sauce over them. Add dollops of garlic ricotta on top and garnish with croutons and grated parmesan.

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