Easy Marry Me Meatballs
In this easy marry me meatballs recipe, meatballs are simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s guaranteed to impress! Rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner at home or a special occasion. Serve them over pasta, with garlic bread, or alongside a fresh salad for a meal that just might make someone fall in love!
If you love this recipe, don’t miss our easy Trader Joe’s sweet and sour meatballs!
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RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious marry me meatballs recipe:
** Complete ingredient list is in the the recipe card below
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
Many of the ingredients shown are from Trader Joe’s, but you can easily substitute ingredients from another grocery store.
Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this dish super quick-cooking. I love using mini-meatballs to make it even faster. Turkey, chicken, beef — they all work!
Aglio Olio seasoning: This is my favorite Trader Joe’s spice-blend of all time! It’s a blend of garlic, salt, parsley, and red pepper flakes. If you can’t get your hands on this spice, substitute Italian seasoning. (Hint: You can buy Aglio Olio seasoning on Amazon!)
Heavy cream: This gives the dish a creamy richness. You can also use half and half, but the consistency will be just a bit different.
EXPERT TIPS
- Make sure your cream sauce is simmering vs. BOILING. Boiling the heavy cream can cause it to curdle.
- Taste the sauce after seasoning it in step 3 (in the recipe card below). Different brands of meatballs have varying sodium levels, so you may need to add a bit more salt.
- If you need a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
How to Serve
- Rice: We almost always serve these marry me meatballs over a bed of white rice. The Trader Joe’s microwave packets of jasmine rice are a lifesaver on busy nights!
- Pasta: Pasta also soaks up the sauce so well! Our favorite pasta for this dish is angel hair. Orzo is also a great option.
- Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is the perfect vessel for soaking up that “marry me” sauce!
- Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a classic green salad or a light arugula salad.
- Wine: A light or medium-bodied red wine like Sanviovese or Pinot Noir are perfect pairings for this dish. If you prefer white wine, a buttery Chardonnay would be delicious, too!
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on these marry me meatballs by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Marry Me Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz. package of frozen meatballs I used Trader Joe's Party Size Mini Meatballs
- 1 1/4 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 tsp. corn starch
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped the best garlic chopper!
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + more for serving, grated
- 1 1/2 tsp Aglio Olio seasoning (from Trader Joe's) can sub Italian seasoning (See Note 1)
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt a bit more if you aren't using the Aglio Olio seasoning
- 1 7-8 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained well and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- Cook Meatballs: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread meatballs in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes (or warmed through – it will depend on the size of the meatballs). When the meatballs are done, remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. Whisk broth and 1 tsp cornstarch, and set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Add chicken broth/cornstarch mixture, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer. Then reduce heat, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until bubbly and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Season: Season the sauce with onion powder, Aglio Olio (or Italian) seasoning, and salt. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and cooked meatballs. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs so the meatballs are covered with the sauce. Cook 3-4 minutes more.
- Finish: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over rice (or pasta) and garnish with more basil and Parmesan cheese, if you like.
Even on weeknights, this recipe is simple and fast, but it’s decadent enough for a big event! I really hope you’ll adore geometry dash lite ! XO Subject: Casey
Made these tonight with Pinch of Yum’s Chicken Meatball recipe instead of using froze meatballs, and this dish was so addictively good. That sauce!!
This recipe is quick and easy for weeknights but indulgent enough for special occasions! I hope you love it as much as we do! XO ~ Casey