Meatball and Sauce, Slow Cooker

By Golfwidow7

Serve a classic Italian meal without being a slave to the stove all day! Real Italian tomato sauce made with our Crushed Tomatoes, tangy Tomato Sauce and rich Tomato Paste, cooks in your slow cooker while you are away. Our meatballs are stuffed with mozzarella for the perfect pairing!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can Redpack® Crushed Tomatoes in Puree
• 1 (29 ounce) can Redpack® Tomato Sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can Redpack® Tomato Paste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fennel
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Meatball Ingredients
• 2 pounds ground turkey, or lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, small mozzarella balls
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• .

Preparation

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 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.
Meatball Directions and Nutritional Information
In a large bowl mix turkey, oatmeal, basil, black pepper, garlic cloves and eggs.
Shape into 2 inch balls, should get 14-16 meatballs. Press 1 mozzarella ball into center of each meatball and seal inside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook just until browned on all sides. Place half of the sauce in slow cooker, add meatballs and then last half of sauce. Follow directions above for cook time