Name: Marry Me Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; ¾ cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (for sauce); ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

These Marry Me Meatballs are rich, creamy, and full of flavor, and just one bite might make someone fall in love with you. That’s the legend behind the name, but once you taste them, you’ll understand the hype. The combination of tender beef meatballs swimming in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce is enough to turn a regular dinner into something unforgettable.

Perfect for cozy date nights, family dinners, or even a special gathering, this dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. With a silky sauce that clings to the meatballs and layers of flavor in every bite, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Meatballs Recipe

It’s the kind of dish that turns a weeknight meal into a small celebration. The savory meatballs paired with the creamy, slightly tangy sauce make a perfect harmony. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. And it’s simple enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress your guests.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

Ground beef is a classic and works beautifully here, but you can mix it with pork for extra richness. Ground turkey or chicken also work if you’re looking for a lighter version. The key is to choose a meat with a bit of fat content so the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Meatballs

To bring this savory, creamy dish together, you’ll want ingredients that enhance both texture and taste. Each one has a purpose, and when combined, they create that perfect bite.

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Sun-dried tomatoes
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (again, for the sauce)
Red pepper flakes
Fresh basil

How To Make the Marry Me Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs will be tough. Form into evenly-sized balls.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Once browned, transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Return the Meatballs

Gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce. Simmer on low until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing Marry Me Meatballs

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people, especially if you’re serving it over pasta or with sides. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

What to Serve With Marry Me Meatballs?

Pasta

Classic and always a hit, a plate of spaghetti or fettuccine soaks up that dreamy sauce perfectly.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes add another layer of comfort. They create a soft, buttery base for the meatballs.

Garlic Bread

You’ll want something to scoop up every bit of that sauce. Garlic bread is your best friend here.

Roasted Asparagus

Add a pop of green and freshness with simply roasted asparagus spears.

Creamy Polenta

For something a little unexpected, creamy polenta makes a decadent match.

Caesar Salad

Balance out the richness with a cool, crisp Caesar salad.

Herby Rice

Fluffy rice tossed with herbs soaks up the sauce in all the right ways.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick, easy, and nutritious, it’s a great way to round out your plate.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these Marry Me Meatballs, you’ll want to try these other dinner favorites from Janet Dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all-beef or mix it up with pork or turkey? Did you toss it with pasta or dip bread straight into the pan?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite meal.

Conclusion

Marry Me Meatballs are more than just a catchy name—they’re a guaranteed way to win hearts at the dinner table. Creamy, savory, and effortlessly impressive, this dish proves that comfort food can still feel special. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.