Marry Me Meatballs: The Romantic Dinner Recipe You Need

Published on Oct 18, 2024

Food brings people together. There’s something magical about a meal that can spark connections, joy, and even love. And if you’re looking for a dish that does just that, let me introduce you to the Marry Me Meatballs recipe—a heartwarming blend of rich flavors that could very well make someone fall in love with you at the dinner table.

This dish gets its name not just from its decadent taste, but from the idea that its bold, savory flavors are so irresistible, they could inspire a marriage proposal. Now, I’m not saying it’s guaranteed, but one bite of these meatballs, and the conversation might take an interesting turn!

This recipe offers a delightful balance between the robust, hearty meatballs and the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself, it’s a meal that radiates love and comfort. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

The secret to any great dish lies in the quality of its ingredients. For the Marry Me Meatballs, you’ll need a combination of savory proteins, herbs, and aromatics to build layers of flavor. Here’s everything you need:

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 lb ground pork
1 large egg
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
2 tbsp tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
3/4 cup heavy cream

These ingredients strike a beautiful harmony—richness from the pork, lightness from the chicken, and a fragrant touch from garlic and thyme. The sun-dried tomatoes bring in a tart-sweet punch, while Parmesan and panko add a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Cooking Guide

This Marry Me Meatballs recipe comes together in a breeze, taking about 35 minutes from start to finish. While the process is straightforward, each step adds depth and richness to the final dish.

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, you’ll get started on the meatball mixture.
Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground pork, egg, garlic, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and kosher salt. Make sure to mix thoroughly but gently, as overmixing can make the meatballs tough. You want a cohesive texture that holds together, but still light and airy.
Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly-sized meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). This recipe makes about 16 meatballs, which will be enough for four servings.
Brown the meatballs in the oven: Arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until they start to brown. You’re looking for a lovely golden color on the outside, which will help lock in the flavors and juices.

Step 2: Making the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

While the meatballs are in the oven, it’s time to prepare the sauce. This step is where the magic happens—creamy, tangy, and packed with the savory goodness of sun-dried tomatoes.

Sauté the aromatics: Heat the tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes is infused with their intense flavor, which adds depth to the sauce. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for another minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes soften slightly.
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water): This helps deglaze the pan, lifting up all the delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the heavy cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine. The sauce will begin to thicken and turn into a rich, creamy base that’s loaded with flavor. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Combining the Meatballs and Sauce

Toss the meatballs in the sauce: By now, your meatballs should be browned to perfection. Gently transfer them into the skillet with the creamy sauce, making sure each meatball is generously coated. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sauce and become even more flavorful.
Garnish and serve: You can sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top or garnish with fresh thyme for a pop of color. Serve these indulgent meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Nutrition per Serving

While these Marry Me Meatballs are undoubtedly indulgent, it's helpful to know the nutritional breakdown, especially if you're keeping an eye on your daily intake. Here’s what you’ll get per serving:

Calories: 991
Protein: 38 grams
Fat: 74 grams
Carbohydrates: 34 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
Sodium: 1650 mg

With 991 calories per serving, these meatballs offer a filling, nutrient-dense meal that’s worth every bite. The combination of protein from the chicken and pork, healthy fats from the tomato oil and cream, and fiber from the sun-dried tomatoes makes for a balanced, hearty dish.

Total Cook Time

One of the best things about this Marry Me Meatballs recipe is that it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a celebratory meal. From start to finish, the total cooking time is: 35 minutes

This includes about 15 minutes of prep time for mixing and forming the meatballs, plus 20 minutes of cooking time between browning the meatballs in the oven and simmering them in the sauce. It's the perfect recipe when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Number of Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, which is ideal for a small family dinner or a cozy night with friends or loved ones. Each serving includes around four meatballs per person, ensuring a satisfying portion that won’t leave anyone hungry.

A Few Extra Tips for Success

Choose high-quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies on simple, flavorful ingredients, the quality of your sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and meat will make a noticeable difference. Go for tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry ones, and opt for freshly grated Parmesan if you can.
Don’t skip the browning step: Browning the meatballs in the oven before adding them to the sauce is crucial. It not only adds flavor but also helps the meatballs hold their shape, so they don’t fall apart while simmering in the sauce.
Customizing the dish: If you want to add a personal touch, you can incorporate some heat by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil. You could even substitute ground beef or turkey for the chicken and pork, depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about sitting down to a meal that’s been thoughtfully prepared. These Marry Me Meatballs are more than just food—they’re an experience. With every bite, you’re greeted with the warmth of the creamy sauce, the heartiness of the meatballs, and the bright pop of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re making these for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression. And who knows? It might just be the recipe that brings a little extra love into your life.

Now, go ahead—try these Marry Me Meatballs for yourself, and don’t be surprised if they steal more than just a few hearts at the dinner table!