Nonna's Spaghetti and Meatballs

By barbaran

The meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup(s) dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tip)
• 1/2 cup(s) finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup(s) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup(s) minced fresh parsley
• 3 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounce(s) lean (90-percent or leaner) ground beef
• 8 ounce(s) ground pork or Italian pork sausage
• 8 ounce(s) ground veal
• 1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup(s) finely chopped onion
• 3 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoon(s) Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
• 1 cup(s) dry red wine
• 1 can(s) (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can(s) (14-ounce) diced tomatoes
• 1 pound(s) whole-wheat spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon(s) finely chopped fresh oregano

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare meatballs: Lightly beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup onion, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add beef, pork (or sausage), and veal; gently mix until combined (do not overmix). Using 1/4 cup for each, make 16 meatballs and place in a 6-quart slow cooker.

To prepare sauce and spaghetti: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add wine and boil for 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

30 minutes before you're ready to eat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions.

Spoon any fat off the sauce; add oregano. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti with extra Parmesan, if desired.

Exchanges: 3 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat.