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Delicious Marry Me Meatballs cooked in a crockpot

Marry Me Meatballs

These marry me meatballs are a comforting slow cooker recipe, featuring a rich creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef or turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish.
  • 1 each egg Acts as a binder; can be replaced with a flax egg.
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Keeps the meatballs moist.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano Can use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Can be substituted with roasted red peppers.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Can replace with kale or Swiss chard.
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup broth Use vegetable broth for a vegan version.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well-blended.
  2. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  3. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream or coconut milk, mixing well and preventing lumps. Add the minced garlic and parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts.
  5. Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well-coated.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are tender.
Serving
  1. Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or salad.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing meatball ingredients. Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s power.