Introduction
Ah, the legendary “Marry Me Meatballs” – a dish so irresistible, it just might win someone’s heart with the first bite! These tender, flavorful meatballs have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of home cooks everywhere, and for good reason. Inspired by the classic Italian-American meatball, “Marry Me Meatballs” take things to the next level with their unique blend of seasonings and a delectable simmering in a rich marinara sauce.
Table of Contents
What Makes Marry Me Meatballs Special
The secret to the swoon-worthy texture of these “Marry Me Meatballs” lies in the perfect combination of ground beef and pork, along with a savory blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The milk and egg work together to keep the meatballs incredibly tender and juicy, while the garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano lend an irresistible depth of flavor. Once seared to a golden brown and simmered in a luscious marinara sauce, these meatballs become an absolute showstopper – the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe (and, perhaps, a marriage proposal!).
Ingredients for Marry Me Meatballs
To create these swoon-worthy “Marry Me Meatballs,” you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to form a flavor sensation:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to wow your loved ones with these irresistible “Marry Me Meatballs”!
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the mixture, or your meatballs may become tough.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a tray or plate, ready for the next step.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides.
- Simmer in Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish your “Marry Me Meatballs” with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve them over pasta, on toasted rolls, or as a delectable appetizer – however you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to impress!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Meatballs
The versatility of these “Marry Me Meatballs” is truly swoon-worthy. Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Tuck them into toasted hoagie rolls for a meatball sub that will have everyone begging for seconds. Or, serve them as a party-perfect appetizer, skewered on toothpicks and drizzled with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations of Marry Me Meatballs
While the original “Marry Me Meatballs” are a true flavor sensation, there’s always room to get creative. Try using a blend of ground turkey and chicken for a lighter take, or experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You could even make these meatballs gluten-free by swapping the breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free panko.
Pairing Wines and Sides
To complement the rich, savory flavors of the “Marry Me Meatballs,” consider pairing them with a bold, full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Montepulciano. For a delightful side dish, serve the meatballs with a fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables, like garlic-parmesan zucchini or a classic Italian-style tomato and cucumber salad.
FAQs About Marry Me Meatballs
What makes meatballs hold together?
The secret to keeping meatballs nicely bound together is a combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. The breadcrumbs act as a binder, while the milk and egg help to keep the mixture moist and cohesive. When mixed gently, these ingredients work together to create meatballs that hold their shape beautifully.
What does Bobby Flay put in his meatballs?
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay is known for his delicious meatball recipes, and he often includes a blend of ground meats, such as beef and pork, along with garlic, parsley, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and eggs. The specific seasonings and proportions can vary, but this combination of ingredients helps to create meatballs that are flavorful, tender, and well-structured.
How long can you make meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate?
You can make the “Marry Me Meatballs” up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet or plate, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to sear and simmer them in the sauce. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
What is the secret of a tender meatball reddit?
According to the meatball connoisseurs on Reddit, the secret to achieving tender, juicy meatballs is to avoid overworking the mixture. When you handle the ground meat too much, it can become tough and dense. The key is to gently mix the ingredients together until they’re just combined, being careful not to overmix. Additionally, using a combination of ground meats, like beef and pork, can contribute to a more tender texture.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the irresistible charm of these “Marry Me Meatballs.” With their tender, flavorful texture and saucy, comforting appeal, it’s no wonder they’ve captured the hearts (and stomachs) of home cooks everywhere. Whether you serve them as a main dish, a mouthwatering appetizer, or the star of a meatball sub, these meatballs are sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, whip up a batch of “Marry Me Meatballs” and let the love story begin!
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Bacon Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
- BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
- Loaded Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatballs
Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!
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Irresistible Marry Me Meatballs That Will Win Hearts!
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Ah, the legendary “Marry Me Meatballs” – a dish so irresistible, it just might win someone’s heart with the first bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the mixture, or your meatballs may become tough.
2. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a tray or plate, ready for the next step.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides.
4. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
5. Garnish your “Marry Me Meatballs” with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve them over pasta, on toasted rolls, or as a delectable appetizer – however you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to impress!
Notes
The versatility of these “Marry Me Meatballs” is truly swoon-worthy. Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Tuck them into toasted hoagie rolls for a meatball sub that will have everyone begging for seconds. Or, serve them as a party-perfect appetizer, skewered on toothpicks and drizzled with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 90