Slow Cooker Sauce with Meatballs

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

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 710 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.n

Step 2

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.n

Step 3

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.n

Step 4

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.n