Marry Me Meatballs
These juicy, flavor-packed Marry Me Meatballs might just be the most convincing way to win someone over at the dinner table. Bathed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, each bite is rich, comforting, and totally addictive. The name might sound dramatic, but once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’re called that.
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or just treating yourself, this dish transforms humble meatballs into a restaurant-quality meal. The creamy sauce with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of spice makes this recipe unforgettable. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even tucked into a crusty roll, it delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Meatballs Recipe
It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy. These meatballs are oven-baked, which keeps things simple and hands-off. The sauce comes together in the same pan, making clean-up easier and the flavors more intense. Plus, it reheats like a dream.
It’s the kind of dish that makes people close their eyes when they take the first bite. Whether you’re cooking to impress or feeding your weekly cravings, this one hits all the right notes.
What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Meatballs?
Ground beef is the classic, but a blend of beef and pork gives the best balance of flavor and tenderness. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just make sure there’s enough fat content (at least 15-20%) to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
Ingredients for the Marry Me Meatballs
To make the Marry Me Meatballs truly shine, you want ingredients that bring both richness and balance. Each one plays a role in creating that crave-worthy depth.
- Ground beef and pork blend
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil

How To Make the Marry Me Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, egg, seasoning, and salt and pepper until combined. Form into evenly sized meatballs.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add in the red pepper flakes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add Meatballs to Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them into the sauce. Let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes so they soak up all that flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Basil
Garnish with fresh chopped basil just before serving. Serve warm over pasta, mashed potatoes, or on toasted bread.
How to Serve and Store Marry Me Meatballs
This recipe feeds about 4 people generously. You can serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation. It pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a side of roasted veggies.
For storing, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce continues to develop flavor, so it’s even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
If you want to freeze them, store the meatballs and sauce separately for the best texture. Freeze for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Marry Me Meatballs?
Garlic Bread with Herb Butter
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra sauce.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The richness of the meatballs pairs beautifully with a fluffy, buttery mash.
Roasted Broccoli
A simple side that adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
Pasta of Your Choice
Whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, the creamy sauce clings to every bite.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with a zesty dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich meatballs.
Polenta
Creamy or grilled, polenta makes a hearty, rustic base.
Grilled Zucchini
Lightly charred zucchini offers a slightly smoky and fresh bite.
Sauteed Green Beans
Simple and snappy, green beans help balance out the richness.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love these Marry Me Meatballs, you’ll probably enjoy these other satisfying meals:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
- Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
- Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy
- Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up more? Serve it with pasta or bread?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to ask questions, too. We’re all here to cook and eat better together.
Explore beautifully curated comfort food and wholesome meal ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next must-make dish!
Conclusion
Marry Me Meatballs bring big flavor with minimal effort. With creamy, savory sauce and perfectly tender meatballs, this is a dish you’ll crave often and feel proud to serve. Make it once and you’ll understand the hype. Dinner never looked (or tasted) this good.

Marry Me Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy and comforting, these Marry Me Meatballs are packed with flavor and smothered in a dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce. A perfect dinner idea made with ground beef, parmesan, and garlic, this irresistible recipe is ideal for date nights or cozy family meals. Keywords: marry me meatballs, creamy meatball recipe, easy dinner idea, comfort food.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef and pork blend
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange meatballs evenly spaced.
4. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it thicken slightly.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the baked meatballs into the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes to coat them well.
10. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
Use a beef and pork blend for best texture and flavor.
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so allow it to rest a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked and Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg


