If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your loved ones, look no further than these Marry Me Meatballs. This mouthwatering recipe combines the robust flavors of juicy ground beef and Italian sausage, all beautifully enveloped in a creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or an ambitious weekend meal, this dish brings a gourmet touch to your table without requiring a culinary degree to prepare. Ideal for date nights or family get-togethers, these meatballs are a comforting addition to any meal that will undoubtedly leave your guests raving.

But what truly makes these Marry Me Meatballs a must-try is not just their delectable taste but also the ease with which they come together. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish promises an enjoyable cooking experience. Furthermore, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, or even warm crusty bread, soaking up that delightful creamy sauce. If you’re on the hunt for quick dinner recipes that exude warmth and flavor, these meatballs are sure to steal the show and may even win your heart!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Meatballs

Rich Flavor: The combination of beef and sausage creates a hearty flavor, enhanced by the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
Easy Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, these meatballs can be prepared with minimal fuss.
Versatile Dish: Serve them over pasta, with rice, or alongside crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to please.
Impressive presentation: Perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Hearty and Filling: Each serving is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying choice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare your space and gather the necessary tools. Start by clearing your kitchen counter and ensuring you have ample room to work. A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining your meatball ingredients, and you’ll also need a tray for shaping your meatballs. As for your cooking equipment, a skillet or frying pan will be necessary for searing the meatballs and cooking your sauce.

Make sure to have an assortment of measuring spoons and cups for precision, as well as a wooden spoon for stirring. It can also be useful to have a spatula handy for flipping and moving the meatballs in the pan. Overall, the key is to have your ingredients prepped and tools within reach to create an efficient cooking environment.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.5 lb Italian sausage
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.33 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
0.25 cup whole milk
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix these ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your meatballs remain tender and juicy. Once the mixture is ready, start shaping it into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them onto a tray for later use.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each meatball until browned on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside, allowing them to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, lower the heat slightly and add the butter, letting it melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften for a minute or two. Then, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and additional parmesan cheese, simmering the sauce gently until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring each is submerged in the delicious sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. This short simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. To finish, garnish the meatballs with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Variations

Protein: Swap out beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetables: Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for a personal touch.

Cooking Notes

Gently mix the meatball ingredients to avoid toughness; overmixing can cause denser meatballs.
Deglazing the pan after searing the meatballs is crucial for an enhanced flavor in the sauce.
When simmering the sauce, keep the heat moderate to avoid boiling, which could lead to separation of the cream.
For added richness, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic comfort meal.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner experience.

Tips

For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in your sauce.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated; they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Feel free to adjust the amount of parmesan in both the meatballs and sauce for richer flavor.
Use fresh bread crumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520
Protein: 26g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

While fresh meatballs provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen meatballs. Just adjust the simmering time accordingly to ensure they are heated through.

What should I serve with Marry Me Meatballs?

These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or garlic bread. A side salad also complements the richness of the dish.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat gently in the sauce before serving.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Marry Me Meatballs recipe encapsulates everything one could desire in a meal: robust flavors, delightful creaminess, and an easy preparation that ensures anyone can recreate it at home. This dish is a perfect fit for both casual suppers and special occasions, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a try tonight? Impress your significant other, satisfy your family, or simply treat yourself to an amazing dinner. Once you do, be sure to share your experience in the comments below and feel free to explore different variations to make it your own!