Marry Me Meatballs are not just any meatballs—they’re the kind of dish that makes everyone swoon! Imagine juicy, flavorful morsels drenched in a rich sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing like it’s prom night. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be enough to make even the most skeptical eaters drop their forks and beg for a second serving. This delightful dish is perfect for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or when you simply want to impress someone special with your culinary wizardry.

Jump to:
- Ingredients for Marry Me Meatballs
- How to Make Marry Me Meatballs
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What are Marry Me Meatballs?
- How do I make Marry Me Meatballs?
- Can I make Marry Me Meatballs ahead of time?
- What sides pair well with Marry Me Meatballs?
- Conclusion for Marry Me Meatballs
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you down memory lane. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, friends are gathered around the dinner table, and someone brings out a platter of these heavenly meatballs. Laughter fills the air as everyone dives in, and suddenly, it feels like you’re at a family reunion—even if you’re just with your pals from college! Marry Me Meatballs aren’t just about feeding hungry bellies; they create moments worth remembering. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that will make your heart skip a beat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Marry Me Meatballs are easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Packed with flavor from herbs and spices, they’re sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Visually stunning with their rich sauce and vibrant colors, they’ll steal the spotlight on any table.
- Perfect for cozy dinners but versatile enough for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Ingredients for Marry Me Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey or Beef: Choose lean ground meat for juicy meatballs that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs while adding texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color; opt for vibrant green leaves for the best flavor.
- Garlic Powder: This little gem enhances all the flavors in the meatballs without overpowering them.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and sweetness while keeping things simple—no chopping necessary!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
For the Sauce:
- Tomato Sauce: A smooth tomato sauce forms the base—look for one without added sugars for a healthier option.
- Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of alcohol keeps things wholesome while adding depth of flavor.
- Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of oregano adds an aromatic touch reminiscent of traditional Italian dishes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Marry Me Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients so you can easily access them while cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey or beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (the most effective kitchen tool) to mix everything until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Step 3: Form Your Meatballs
Roll golf ball-sized portions of the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Try not to eat too many raw—remember they’ll be even tastier cooked!
Step 4: Bake Those Bad Boys
Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will soon smell like an Italian bistro!
Step 5: Create the Sauce
While waiting for those meatballs to bake, grab a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in tomato sauce and vegetable broth; sprinkle in dried oregano and stir well. Let it simmer until heated through—this step may be torturous with all those enticing aromas wafting about.
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once baked, transfer your glorious meatballs into the simmering sauce. Allow them to mingle together on low heat for about five more minutes so they soak up all that saucy goodness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the meatballs first in a hot skillet to lock in their juiciness, then simmer them in your favorite sauce while preparing pasta or serving them with crusty bread. This ensures your Marry Me Meatballs are perfectly tender and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey or beef for chicken if that’s what you have. Add some crushed red pepper for a kick or sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Marry Me Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them into the microwave, ensuring they’re heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For irresistibly juicy meatballs, let the mixture sit before shaping them—this helps flavors meld beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; give each meatball room to brown evenly.
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfection.
It reminds me of that one time I made these meatballs for a family gathering. My cousin proclaimed his undying love for my cooking, saying he’d marry me right there if he could! It was all in good fun but gave me a hearty chuckle and some serious motivation to perfect this recipe!
FAQs:
What are Marry Me Meatballs?
Marry Me Meatballs are a delightful dish made from tender meatballs, typically using chicken or beef. These meatballs are simmered in a rich sauce, often made from tomatoes and herbs. The name suggests that these meatballs are so delicious they could win someone’s heart. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various flavors and ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How do I make Marry Me Meatballs?
To make Marry Me Meatballs, start by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. Form the mixture into balls and brown them in a skillet. Next, prepare a sauce using tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Once the sauce simmers, add the meatballs and cook until they are fully cooked through. Serve over pasta or as an appetizer. This dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Can I make Marry Me Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Meatballs ahead of time. You can make the meatballs and sauce separately or together and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply reheat them on the stove or microwave until hot.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Meatballs?
Marry Me Meatballs pair well with various sides like spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Additionally, roasted vegetables complement the flavors nicely, offering a balanced plate that enhances your dining experience.
Conclusion for Marry Me Meatballs
Marry Me Meatballs provide a flavorful option for any meal occasion. Utilizing chicken or beef ensures a tasty dish without pork products while remaining satisfying and rich in flavor. Preparing these meatballs ahead of time adds convenience to your cooking routine. Whether served over pasta or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Enjoy cooking these delightful meatballs that could very well win hearts!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Marry Me Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Meatballs are the perfect blend of juicy meatballs and a rich, savory sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that create unforgettable moments around the dinner table. Serve them over pasta or as an appetizer to have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey/beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and oregano; simmer until heated through.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (180g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg