SLOW COOKER CHEESE STUFFED MEATBALLS AND SAUCE

Slow Cooker Cheese Stuffed Meatballs and Sauce image

Provided by Susan Cutler

Categories Pasta

Time 5h30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
4 Tbsp fresh parmesan cheese, grated
1- 1 1/2 c bread crumbs
3 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 clove garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 c fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
4 oz fresh mozzarella, divided into 12 pieces
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 jar(s) your favorite red sauce
2 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente

Steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, ground pork, parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, parsley and dried oregano. Add bread crumbs 1/2 cup at a time until mixture is not to wet and can be formed into balls easily. Form mixture into 12 balls using your thumb to press a hole in the center. Insert a piece of the fresh mozzarella into the hole and close the hole by pushing the meatball mixture around it to secure the mozzarella inside each ball.
2. Heat a large saute pan over medium heat and drizzle olive oil into it. Add meatballs and cook until lightly browned. Don't overcook. (4-5 minutes) on low to medium heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs into a slow cooker.
3. Pour red sauce over the meatballs and cook on LOW for approximately 5 hours. Serve the stuffed meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
4. Serve with a green salad and French Bread.