Credit: Le Creuset
Even though lazy beach days are still calling and long alfresco lunches take up the majority of afternoons, fall is coming – and that means things will get busier than ever. With the end of summer comes the start of school and easing back into the swing of your routine. Between helping with the kids’ science project and prepping for that quarterly presentation, you’ll need to make time to slow it all down and enjoy a meal together. This Sausage Ricotta Meatball Bake from Le Creuset will bring everyone to the table. Tender pork-and-ricotta meatballs mixed with a fragrant basil pomodoro sauce will be a family favorite for years to come.
SAUSAGE RICOTTA MEATBALL BAKE
Ingredients:
For the Sausage Ricotta Meatballs
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
1-pound ground Italian pork sausage
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Basil Pomodoro Sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
4 large cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can Italian crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
For the Sausage Ricotta Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
1. Add the breadcrumbs to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, and pulse until finely ground. Place the breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, fennel, oregano and pepper and stir to combine.
3. Add the sausage meat and gently stir again. Form meat into roughly 2-inch meatballs and place in a 10” signature skillet.
4. Bake in preheated oven until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
5. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside on a plate. Let skillet cool for about 5 minutes and leave the oven on.
For the Basil Pomodoro Sauce
1. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Turn heat down to low and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook just until garlic is fragrant and nutty but not browning, about 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes to the skillet and stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook until sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the basil and sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Final Steps
1. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Top the meatballs with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and place in preheated oven.
2. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes.
By Tracy Troisi, Staff Writer
