If you love soft and tender meatloaf with a firm, compact texture that slices beautifully, this baked ricotta meatloaf is the recipe you need to try. This light yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish is baked to perfection in the oven with just a drizzle of olive oil, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender meatloaf. The secret? Ricotta cheese takes the place of the usual milk-soaked bread, giving the meatloaf a unique, smooth texture without compromising on flavor. Baked ricotta meatloaf is a fresh twist on the classic meatloaf, a staple of home cooking that can be customized to suit any taste. Add your favorite fillings, like cheese or veggies, or experiment with cooking methods like braising in tomato sauce, or simmering in white wine or broth. While the ricotta adds a subtle flavor, it transforms the texture into something truly special. Even those who usually shy away from meatloaf will be delighted by this version!
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Ingredients
- Power 299,40 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 10,53 (g) of which sugars 0,72 (g)
- Proteins 30,66 (g)
- Fat 15,36 (g) of which saturated 7,50 (g)of which unsaturated 3,58 (g)
- Fibers 0,37 (g)
- Sodium 1.442,37 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 175 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Tools
How to make baked ricotta meatloaf
Puoi trovare la versione italiana della ricetta qui!
To prepare the baked ricotta meatloaf, start by finely chopping the onion, if you plan to include it in the mixture. Since the amount is small, a mini food processor is handy for getting a very fine chop. Coarsely chopped onion won’t blend as evenly into the meatloaf mixture and might stand out in texture once cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta (well-drained of any whey), onion, a generous pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix thoroughly with a spoon to blend all the ingredients, then add the egg.
Incorporate the egg into the mixture carefully, still using the spoon. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Start with 2 tbsp, but if the mixture feels too soft or difficult to handle, you can add more breadcrumbs. The exact amount needed depends on how much moisture the ricotta contains: the drier the ricotta, the fewer breadcrumbs you’ll need to achieve the right consistency. Mix thoroughly, this time using your hands, until the mixture is uniform and fairly firm.
Take a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper and sprinkle some breadcrumbs over it. Shape the mixture into a loaf with your hands and place it on the breadcrumbs. Roll the loaf to coat it evenly on all sides, using the foil or parchment to help cover the ends as well.
Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper and place the meatloaf on it. Drizzle the top with a little extra-virgin olive oil.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C, static) for about 40 minutes. Once golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve the baked ricotta meatloaf warm or at room temperature, on its own or with your favorite sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or barbecue sauce.
How to store
You can store the meatloaf in the refrigerator in an airtight glass container for 2–3 days.
Tips and variations
Choose a dry ricotta: If possible, use ricotta that’s a bit dry, even “aged” for a couple of days. The less moisture it contains, the less breadcrumbs you’ll need, and the more flavorful your meatloaf will be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I use instead of onion?
What can I use instead of onion? If you don’t like onion, you can leave it out or replace it with one clove of garlic, crushed with a garlic press.
What sauces pair well with baked ricotta meatloaf?
What sauces pair well with baked ricotta meatloaf? Although this meatloaf is baked with just a drizzle of olive oil, it’s moist and juicy enough to be served on its own. However, if you prefer, you can pair it with ready-made sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, or barbecue sauce. You can also make quick homemade options, such as tzatziki or creamy mushroom sauce.
Varied doses for servings