Savory Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Recipe

Tender and juicy baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach dance with irresistible flavors that melt in your mouth.

These delectable morsels blend lean protein and creamy cheese into a delightful culinary creation.

Packed with nutritious spinach, each bite offers a wholesome and satisfying experience.

The meatballs boast a perfect balance of herbs and seasonings that enhance their natural richness.

Perfectly golden and baked to a beautiful finish, they promise a healthier alternative to traditional fried meatballs.

Serve these succulent gems over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this simple yet extraordinary dish.

Storage Tips For Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the baguette from getting soggy?

Toast the baguette lightly before adding toppings to create a crispy base that resists moisture from the steak and vegetables.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute provolone and mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for similar melting qualities and flavor profiles.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

Use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as an alternative to add depth and umami flavor to the steak mixture.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture ahead of time and assemble the sandwich just before baking for a quick and convenient meal.

What Makes Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Great

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Ingredients For Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Ribeye Steak: A tender, flavorful cut of beef that provides the protein base for this delicious sandwich.
• French Baguette: A crispy, long bread that serves as the foundation for the steak sandwich.

• Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich.

• Onions, Green Bell Peppers: Vegetables that provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding depth to the steak sandwich.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complexity and depth to the meat's flavor.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, savory note to the garlic butter.

• Butter: A rich ingredient used to create a flavorful garlic butter spread for the baguette.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the steak and vegetables, adding a subtle flavor and preventing sticking.

Step-By-Step Chicken Ricotta Meatball Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Chopped fresh spinach
• Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix all ingredients until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix the meat.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Use clean hands to roll the mixture into uniform-sized meatballs.

Place each meatball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and cook completely.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and completely white throughout when cut open.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatballs moist and flavorful. Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce or alongside roasted vegetables.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Choose high-quality ribeye steak with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness in your sandwich.
• Sauté onions and peppers on medium heat to develop rich, sweet undertones without burning the vegetables.
• Use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for optimal gooey texture and delicious layered cheese flavor.
• Brush baguette with garlic butter before adding toppings to create a crispy, aromatic base that enhances overall taste.
• Watch cheese closely during final baking to ensure perfect melting without overcooking or burning the bread edges.

Creative Twists For Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based ground tofu or lentil mixture, maintaining similar spices and ricotta texture for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones, and select a gluten-free baguette or serve over zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the bread entirely and serve meatballs over cauliflower rice or mixed green salad, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving protein-rich elements.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate feta cheese instead of ricotta, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transforms the original recipe.

Best Pairings For Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Pair Bold Red Wines: Select robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the steak sandwich. These wines enhance the savory profile and cut through the cheese's richness.
• Craft Beer Delight: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the sandwich's hearty texture. The beer's crisp carbonation and malty undertones will balance the steak's intensity and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh Side Salad Solution: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to counterbalance the sandwich's heaviness. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will cleanse the palate and add a bright, fresh element to the meal.

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach bring Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Packed with herbed chicken, creamy ricotta, and tender spinach, these meatballs promise a delightful meal that will satisfy hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ribeye steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bread:

• 1 large French baguette
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
2. Cut the French baguette lengthwise into two equal halves and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Add thinly sliced ribeye steak and season with salt and pepper, cooking until browned and cooked to desired doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Transfer the cooked steak to a separate plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and green bell peppers until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour Worcestershire sauce into the skillet and stir to incorporate with the vegetables.
7. Return the cooked steak to the skillet and mix thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Combine melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl.
9. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture onto the cut surfaces of the baguette halves.
10. Distribute the steak, onion, and pepper mixture evenly across the buttered baguette.
11. Sprinkle shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and slice into individual servings. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Choose ground chicken with moderate fat content to ensure moist and flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create tender, soft-textured meatballs with enhanced moisture and binding properties.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged to elevate the overall flavor profile and provide a richer taste experience.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb and celiac-friendly alternative without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg