For the meatballs: (feel free to use frozen meatballs!)
1lbground beef
1lbground Italian sausage
1white onion - grated or finely minced
3clovesgarlic - grated or finely minced
2slicesbread - pulsed into fine crumbs (or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs)
1large egg
1tspItalian seasoning
1/2tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
1tspgarlic powder
1tspsmoked paprika
1/4cupchopped parsley
1tbspolive oil
1/4cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Marry Me Sauce:
2shallots - diced
1/3cupsundried tomatoes - julienned
2tspsun-dried tomato oil
2tbsptomato paste
1/3cuptomato sauce
2tspCalabrian chili - optional
1tspgarlic powder
1tsppaprika
1tspItalian seasoning
1/2tsponion salt - I’m using Trader Joes
3/4cupheavy cream
1cuplow sodium beef stock
4cupsspinach
Instructions
Make the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Lightly oil your hands and gently mix and fold until combined - avoid overmixing.
Shape the mini meatballs:
Roll the mixture into mini meatballs, about 1/2 tablespoon each.
Cook the mini meatballs:
Heat a bit more olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (working in batches) and cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving, until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. Reserve the oil in the pan.
Make the Marry Me sauce:
Add 2 teaspoons of sun-dried tomato oil to the same pan, then add the diced shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Calabrian chili, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion salt. Cook and sauté for 1-2 minute until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and beef stock, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened (simmer longer if you prefer a thicker sauce).
Return the meatballs to the pan:
Add the spinach and cooked meatballs to the pan. Stir and cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Keyword American, Dinner, Entree, italian, Main Course, Potato