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Creamy Marry Me Meatballs Recipe Easy Rich Tomato Sauce Guide

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Tender meatballs in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that is rich, tangy, and smooth. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet or plate. This takes about 10 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes total, turning gently to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook chopped onion over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer gently for 10 minutes to thicken.
  6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half until sauce is silky and smooth. Return meatballs to skillet, nestle into sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature and sauce thickens.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs first to lock in juices and add flavor. Simmer sauce on low heat after adding cream to avoid curdling. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F. Sauce can be loosened with water or broth if too thick. Red wine splash before simmering adds depth. Leftovers taste better the next day. Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner, family recipe, comfort food, Marry Me meatballs, quick meatballs, rich sauce

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-marry-me-meatballs-recipe-easy-rich-tomato-sauce-guide/