SLOW COOKER SAUCE WITH MEATBALLS

Slow Cooker Sauce with Meatballs image

Meatballs with mozzarella tucked inside are slow cooked in a savory tomato sauce and served over pasta for a hearty family meal.

Provided by Red Gold

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips RED GOLD®, Inc.

Time 6h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
6 each garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can RED GOLD® Crushed Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can RED GOLD® Tomato Sauce
1 (6 ounce) can RED GOLD® Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fennel seed
2 tablespoons sugar
½ cup water
2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
½ cup quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs eggs
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

In a large skillet heat extra-virgin olive oil on medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until tender. Spray 5 quart or larger slow cooker. Add onion and garlic and remaining sauce ingredients. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Serve on pasta of your choice.
Meat can be added to the sauce if desired. Below is a meatball recipe that could be added to the sauce at the beginning of the cook time.
Mozzarella Meatballs: In a large bowl mix turkey, oats, basil, black pepper, garlic cloves and eggs. Shape into 2-inch balls (should get 14 to 16 meatballs). Press 1 small mozzarella ball into center of each meatball, sealed inside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high neat. Add meatballs; cook just until browned on all side. Place half of the sauce in slow cooker, add meatballs and then last half of sauce. Cook as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 709.5 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 196.7 mg, Fat 39.9 g, Fiber 7.9 g, Protein 43.7 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 1187.2 mg, Sugar 18.5 g