Slow-Cooker Italian Meatballs

Name: Slow-Cooker Italian Meatballs
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups finely diced onions (2 large); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef; 1 package (20 oz) turkey Italian sausage (5 links), casings removed; 1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs, slightly beaten; 1/2 cup fat-free (skim) milk; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cans (28 oz each) Muir Glen™ organic crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Multigrain angel hair or other pasta; Fresh basil leaves, cut into very thin strips

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Prep 35 min
Total 4 hr 35 min
Ingredients 15
Servings 12

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This is family dinner at its best. It is perfect for a sit-down dinner or for those nights when everyone is eating in shifts.

Ingredients

Meatballs

2 cups finely diced onions (2 large)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb extra-lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 package (20 oz) turkey Italian sausage (5 links), casings removed
1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce

2 cans (28 oz each) Muir Glen™ organic crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Serve With, If Desired

Multigrain angel hair or other pasta
Fresh basil leaves, cut into very thin strips

Directions

1

Heat oven to 400°F. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave onions and oil uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft. Divide in half; set aside.
2

In large bowl, mix half of the onion mixture and remaining Meatball ingredients, tossing lightly until thoroughly mixed. Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, using hands or large cookie scoop (60 to 70 meatballs). Place on ungreased 15x10x1-inch pans. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until browned.
3

Spray 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix remaining half of onion mixture and Sauce ingredients. Mix well. Place meatballs in sauce; gently mix to cover all meatballs in sauce. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours or until hot and meatballs are cooked through. Serve over pasta; top with basil.

Expert Tips

tip 1
To make ahead, prepare and bake the meatballs the day before. Then add to sauce, and prepare as directed. You may need to cook the dish slightly longer, since you are starting with cold meatballs.
tip 2
Serve leftovers later in the week in a hoagie bun with mozzarella cheese and basil sprinkled over the top.
tip 3
This recipe will serve 12, so feel free to freeze any leftovers up to 1 month in an airtight container for an easy meal down the road.

Nutrition Information

250 Calories, 10g Total Fat, 20g Protein, 20g Total Carbohydrate, 2g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 250

Calories from Fat: 90

Total Fat: 10g; 16%

Saturated Fat: 3 1/2g; 17%

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 85mg; 28%

Sodium: 670mg; 28%

Potassium: 160mg; 5%

Total Carbohydrate: 20g; 7%

Dietary Fiber: 2g; 7%

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 20g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 20%; 20%

Vitamin C: 2%; 2%

Calcium: 10%; 10%

Iron: 15%; 15%

Exchanges:

1 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 2 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

This is family dinner at its best. It is perfect for a sit-down dinner or for those nights when everyone is eating in shifts.