These meatballs in vodka sauce are absolutely delicious! Tender, juicy meatballs cooked in a creamy vodka sauce, served on toasted sourdough bread spread with ricotta cheese. The rich, savory meatballs paired with the silky sauce and the toasted bread create a cozy, comforting, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for sharing around the holidays or any special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey

• 3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil), plus more for serving

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• Kosher salt and pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vodka Sauce

• 1 cup reserved pasta water (or substitute with cornstarch solution)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 shallot, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup tomato paste

• 3 tablespoons vodka (I like Tito’s)

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

• 4 to 5 slices sourdough bread, cut in half

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix). Form into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove excess grease and set aside.

3. Make the Vodka Sauce: In the same skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the color to deepen. Add vodka, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in pasta water (or cornstarch solution), heavy cream, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the sauce, and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked.

5. Toast the Bread: Meanwhile, toast sourdough slices on a baking sheet with olive oil for 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

6. Assemble: Spread ricotta on the toasted bread. Top with meatballs, pour over vodka sauce, and sprinkle with fresh herbs and breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 750 per serving

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 45g

• Carbs: 50g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 8g

Why Meatballs in Vodka Sauce Works

The beauty of Meatballs in Vodka Sauce lies in the perfect balance between savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. The meatballs are made with lean ground beef or turkey and enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful base. The vodka sauce, rich with butter, garlic, and tomato paste, adds a depth of flavor and a silky texture that envelops the meatballs. The addition of vodka adds complexity, while the heavy cream smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes and balances the overall flavor.

What makes this dish truly special is the toasted sourdough bread topped with ricotta cheese, which adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the rich meatballs and sauce. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also brings a delightful crunch that complements the tender meatballs. The result is a comforting, indulgent meal that’s full of layers of flavor and texture.

The Flavor Profile: Rich, Savory, Creamy, and Tangy

The flavor profile of Meatballs in Vodka Sauce is a harmonious blend of savory, creamy, and tangy elements. The meatballs themselves are juicy and tender, thanks to the combination of ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami, and the herbs provide freshness and depth.

The vodka sauce is a rich, creamy delight. The tomato paste brings a concentrated tomato flavor, while the vodka adds a subtle complexity that deepens the sauce’s flavor. The cream adds richness, making the sauce smooth and indulgent. The Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a salty, nutty finish, which pairs beautifully with the meatballs.

The toasted sourdough bread is crispy and golden, providing a satisfying crunch, while the ricotta cheese adds a light, creamy layer that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce. This combination of flavors and textures makes every bite a satisfying experience, with the savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and crisp bread coming together perfectly.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Meatballs in Vodka Sauce

Meatballs in Vodka Sauce is a hearty and indulgent dish that provides a good amount of protein and fat. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional values for one serving:

• Calories: 750 kcal – This dish is rich in calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

• Protein: 40g – The meatballs provide a solid amount of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.

• Fat: 45g – The dish is high in fat, primarily from the olive oil, butter, and cream. While rich, it provides a satisfying and indulgent meal.

• Carbohydrates: 50g – The carbohydrates mainly come from the bread and the small amount of sugar in the sauce.

• Fiber: 4g – The fiber content comes from the bread and the herbs, helping with digestion and promoting fullness.

• Sugar: 8g – Most of the sugar comes from the tomato paste and brown sugar in the sauce, adding to the overall depth of flavor.

This dish is rich and flavorful, making it ideal for a special occasion or a comforting dinner. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can reduce the richness by using less cream or opting for a leaner protein like turkey.

How to Serve Meatballs in Vodka Sauce

Meatballs in Vodka Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for serving:

1. With Toasted Sourdough Bread: The bread is essential to this dish, as it helps soak up the delicious vodka sauce. Spread the ricotta on the toasted bread to create a creamy, tangy base, and top with the meatballs and sauce for a complete, indulgent meal.

2. With Steamed Vegetables: Serve the meatballs alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or green beans to add some freshness and balance to the rich flavors. The vegetables will complement the creamy sauce and provide some nutritional variety.

3. As Part of a Pasta Dish: You can also serve the meatballs and vodka sauce over pasta, like spaghetti or tagliatelle, for a classic Italian-inspired meal. The creamy sauce and meatballs make a satisfying combination when paired with pasta.

4. As a Shareable Appetizer: If you’re hosting a dinner party, serve the meatballs on small crostini or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy sharing. The rich flavors and crispy bread make for a perfect finger food.

5. As a Comforting Main Dish: Serve the meatballs with a side salad or a light soup if you want to create a more substantial meal, or enjoy them on their own for a rich and satisfying dinner.

Tips for Perfecting Meatballs in Vodka Sauce

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle and mix just enough to incorporate everything.

2. Brown the Meatballs First: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce helps develop deeper flavors and a crispy exterior. This step also helps seal in the juices, keeping the meatballs tender.

3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add a burst of flavor and brightness to the meatballs and sauce. Don’t skip this step, as the fresh herbs help balance the richness of the dish.

4. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vodka sauce for some extra heat. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with extra chili flakes on the side for those who like it spicy.

5. Don’t Skip the Ricotta: The ricotta cheese on the toasted bread provides a creamy, mild contrast to the rich meatballs and sauce. It’s an essential element that enhances the dish’s texture and flavor.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Indulgent Meal

Meatballs in Vodka Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone who craves a rich, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. The tender meatballs, creamy vodka sauce, and toasted sourdough bread come together to create a dish that is full of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or any time you want to enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal with loved ones. With its balance of textures, layers of flavor, and rich, hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.