Description
Tender homemade meatballs slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce using a slow cooker. This comforting Italian-American dish is perfect for pasta dinners, hearty sandwiches, or flavorful appetizers.
Ingredients
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
3/4 medium onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 3/4 teaspoons black pepper
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground Italian-style turkey sausage
Instructions
1. Add the crushed tomatoes, onion, bay leaf, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker and stir well.
2. In a bowl combine breadcrumbs and milk and allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
3. Add garlic, onion, parsley, black pepper, salt, oregano, Parmesan cheese, and egg and mix together.
4. Add ground beef and turkey sausage and gently mix until evenly combined.
5. Shape the mixture into meatballs about one tablespoon each.
6. Place each meatball directly into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook about 5 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving and serve with pasta, sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
Notes
Wet your hands when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking.
For thicker sauce, simmer the sauce in a skillet for a few minutes before serving.
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American