Some meals stay with you long after the last bite. Marry Me Meatballs are exactly that kind of dish—rich, tender, and wrapped in a creamy tomato sauce with just the right hint of heat. It’s a meal that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and maybe even dream a little.
One evening, after a hectic day, I found myself craving something warm and satisfying. As the sauce bubbled gently on the stove, the aroma of garlic and fresh basil filled the kitchen, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. The meatballs, browned to perfection, simmered in that velvety sauce, promising comfort with every bite. Sitting down with a plate of pasta dressed in that sauce, the world outside faded away. It was a quiet moment of pure bliss—a reminder that food can be so much more than just fuel.
- Richly flavored meatballs with a tender, juicy texture that melts in your mouth
- A creamy tomato sauce that balances savory spices with fresh basil and a touch of heat
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner
- Versatile enough to serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
If you’re feeling a little nervous about making meatballs from scratch, don’t be. This recipe is forgiving and straightforward, with clear steps that will guide you to success. Plus, the payoff is a meal that feels homemade and extra special.
Print
Marry Me Meatballs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Marry Me Meatballs are tender, flavorful Italian-style meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of heat and fresh basil. Perfect served over pasta or crusty bread for a comforting meal that might just inspire a proposal!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Mix all ingredients together gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the skillet.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil leaves, cooking for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
FAQ
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What can I serve with Marry Me Meatballs? They’re wonderful over your favorite pasta, but crusty bread to soak up the sauce works just as well. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness perfectly.
How spicy are these meatballs? There’s a subtle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s mild enough to please most palates. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, store the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
When you’re ready to bring a bit of comfort and charm to your dinner table, these Marry Me Meatballs won’t disappoint. Give them a try, and see why this recipe might just inspire more than one kind of commitment.