Marry Me Meatballs are a delicious and romantic dish that combines tender meatballs with a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for date nights or special occasions, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Marry Me Meatballs takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
2. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, carefully add them to the sauce in the skillet. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the creamy sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
2. Enjoy: Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this delightful dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Marry Me Meatballs (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Meat Variations: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Conclusion

Marry Me Meatballs are a rich and flavorful dish that combines the comfort of meatballs with a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for impressing a loved one or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy this delightful recipe!