Description
These Irresistible Marry Me Meatballs are tender ground chicken and pork meatballs baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, flavorful tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. An easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt, to taste
Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp. tomato oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. torn fresh basil
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine grated garlic, ground chicken, ground pork, egg, panko breadcrumbs, crushed red pepper flakes, half of the Parmesan, fresh thyme, and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using clean hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Arrange meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prepare the Sauce: While meatballs bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion in tomato oil until translucent, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Simmer gently until sauce slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once baked, add meatballs carefully into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat them fully and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and torn fresh basil over the meatballs right before serving for added creaminess and herbaceous freshness.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute egg with a flax egg, Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Ground turkey or beef can be used instead of chicken and pork if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to make the dish gluten-free.
- Checking meatballs’ internal temperature ensures they are safely cooked.
