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–+ servings
Marry Me Meatballs

Marry Me Meatballs: Love at First Bite with Creamy Sauce

Delicious Marry Me Meatballs in a creamy sauce that will win over the hearts of your loved ones.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 ½ pounds ground meat beef, chicken, turkey, or pork
  • 1 egg binds the ingredients
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried herbs
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or any cooking oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter margarine can be used
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour gluten-free flour can be substituted
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream coconut milk for dairy-free option
  • 3-4 cloves garlic cloves, minced or garlic powder
  • 1-1.5 cups grated Parmesan reggiano cheese avoid low-fat versions
  • ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes fresh tomatoes can be used
  • 2-3 cups fresh spinach or frozen spinach, well-drained
  • ½-1 teaspoon additional Italian seasoning adjust to taste
  • ½ cup broth vegetable or chicken broth

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • saucepan

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Scoop portions of the mixture and roll into meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Add broth to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Optionally, bake meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Optionally, air fry meatballs at 360°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in heavy whipping cream, then add minced garlic and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  3. Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts.
  4. Combine cooked meatballs with sauce and simmer for a couple of minutes.
  5. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 22gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep sauce and meatballs separate when storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.

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