Lavo Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta

The LAVO Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta is inspired by the iconic oversized meatball served at the famed LAVO Italian Restaurant in Las Vegas, a dish that has achieved near-legendary status. Known for its dramatic presentation and luxurious flavor, this meatball represents classic Italian-American comfort food elevated to fine-dining proportions. It celebrates the tradition of slow-cooked, richly seasoned meatballs while embracing modern restaurant flair.

In this recipe, a blend of beef, veal, and pork is gently mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, herbs, and grated cheese to create an incredibly tender and flavorful meatball. Slowly simmered or baked in a robust tomato sauce, the meatball becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft while absorbing deep, savory flavors. It is finished with a generous dollop of whipped ricotta—light, creamy, and slightly tangy—which contrasts beautifully with the rich meat and bold tomato sauce.

Perfect as a show-stopping appetizer, a shared main course, or the centerpiece of an Italian-inspired meal, the LAVO Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta is indulgent and unforgettable. Its combination of comforting flavors, elegant texture, and dramatic presentation makes it ideal for entertaining or recreating a luxury restaurant experience at home. This dish proves that classic Italian-American recipes can be both nostalgic and refined.

Lavo Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta

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The LAVO Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta is inspired by the iconic oversized meatball served at the famed LAVO Italian Restaurant in Las Vegas, a dish that has achieved near-legendary status. Known for its dramatic presentation and luxurious flavor, this meatball represents classic Italian-American comfort food elevated to fine-dining proportions. It celebrates the tradition of slow-cooked, richly seasoned meatballs while embracing modern restaurant flair.

In this recipe, a blend of beef, veal, and pork is gently mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, herbs, and grated cheese to create an incredibly tender and flavorful meatball. Slowly simmered or baked in a robust tomato sauce, the meatball becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft while absorbing deep, savory flavors. It is finished with a generous dollop of whipped ricotta—light, creamy, and slightly tangy—which contrasts beautifully with the rich meat and bold tomato sauce.

Perfect as a show-stopping appetizer, a shared main course, or the centerpiece of an Italian-inspired meal, the LAVO Las Vegas Italian Meatball with Whipped Ricotta is indulgent and unforgettable. Its combination of comforting flavors, elegant texture, and dramatic presentation makes it ideal for entertaining or recreating a luxury restaurant experience at home. This dish proves that classic Italian-American recipes can be both nostalgic and refined.

• Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Yield: 6-12 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1/4 cup dry plain breadcrumbs
• 1 ounce fresh white bread
• 2 ounces milk
• 1 pound ground Wagyu beef
• 1 pound ground sweet sausage
• 1 pound ground veal
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 ounce basil, chopped
• 1/2 ounce fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 ounces Romano cheese, grated
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 ounces white onion, diced
• 1 ounce fresh garlic, minced

Marinara Sauce

• 1 28-ounce can crushed Italian tomatoes
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• a few sprigs of fresh basil
• a few sprigs of fresh parsley

Assemblage

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade,
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, bread and milk.  Allow bread and crumbs to soak up milk. Set aside
2. In a small skillet, add a tablespoon olive oil and sweat the onions for about 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine all three meats with olive oil.  Add the onions and garlic.  Break apart the bread and add to the meat mixture.  Add cheeses, basil, parsley, salt and pepper.  Gently mix together all the ingredients being careful not to over mix it.
4. Gently form large, 1 pound size meatballs. Let the meatballs rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
5. In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the meatballs in 1/3 cup olive oil.  Brown all sides.  Set aside.
6. For the marinara sauce, heat oil in a large saucepan and then add all the marinara ingredients.  Let simmer.
7. Immerse the meatballs in the marinara sauce, cover and let simmer one hour.
8. In the meantime, add the ricotta to a blender and blend on high until very creamy.
9. Serve the meatballs with the marinara sauce, top with a dollop or two of ricotta cheese, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and then sprinkle with basil and parsley.

• Author: Recipe Maker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes Appetizer
• Cuisine: Italian Recipes