Meatballs and Marinara

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of our Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Marinara—a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together succulent meatballs and a luscious marinara sauce. While it involves some prepping and sautéing, once everything is in the slow cooker, you gain hours of freedom, knowing a delectable dinner awaits. To craft a sauce with a depth of flavor reminiscent of long-simmered classics, we started by sautéing onions, tomato paste, and garlic, followed by a delightful deglazing with red wine. Simple yet essential additions, like crushed tomatoes, water, and a hint of soy sauce for a meaty depth, completed the base of our mouthwatering marinara. Our meatballs, a perfect harmony of ground beef, Italian sausage, Parmesan, and parsley, were indeed flavorful, but a little dry. The secret to their moist and tender texture lies in adding a panade—a mixture of bread and milk—that brings the desired moisture to the meat. A quick microwave rendering of the meatballs ensured they weren’t greasy, perfectly complementing our sensational sauce. Once you savor these slow-cooked meatballs, you’ll discover they’ve earned their place among your favorite comfort foods.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped fine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 slices hearty white sandwich bread, torn into quarters
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/4 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef
• 4 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup), plus extra for serving
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 large egg yolks
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar, plus extra as needed

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook until onions are softened and lightly browned (around 8 to 10 minutes).
2. Transfer half of the onion mixture to a large bowl and set it aside. Stir the red wine into the skillet with the remaining onion mixture, scraping up any browned bits, and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, and soy sauce in the slow cooker.
3. Add the torn bread and milk to the bowl with the reserved onion mixture and mash it to form a paste using a fork. Mix in the ground beef, Italian sausage, grated Parmesan, minced parsley, egg yolks, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper using your hands. Pinch off and roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (yielding around 18 meatballs in total).
4. Microwave the meatballs on a large plate until the fat renders and the meatballs become firm (around 5 to 7 minutes). Nestle the meatballs into the slow cooker, discarding the rendered fat. Cover and cook until the meatballs are tender, which takes approximately 4 to 6 hours on low heat.

YIELD:

• This recipe yields a delightful serving of approximately 18 meatballs, accompanied by the delicious marinara sauce, a perfect pairing with your favorite pasta.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to remove any excess rendered fat from the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker, as this ensures the sauce maintains its rich flavor without becoming greasy.

TIPS:

• For a slightly sweeter note, you can adjust the sugar according to your preference.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 970mg

Our Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Marinara recipe encapsulates the essence of comfort and convenience, offering a delicious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds. As you take your first bite of the tender and flavorful meatballs smothered in the rich marinara sauce, a sense of contentment and satisfaction will envelop you.

The process of building this delightful sauce begins with sautéing onions, tomato paste, and garlic—a foundation of flavor that forms the essence of the sauce. The addition of red wine, skillfully deglazing the pan, unlocks a symphony of taste, adding richness and complexity to the dish. The marriage of crushed tomatoes, water, and soy sauce completes the base, resulting in a sauce that is both robust and harmonious.

The creation of the meatballs, crafted from a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, Parmesan, and parsley, is an artful endeavor in itself. To achieve the tender and moist texture desired, a panade—consisting of bread and milk—is incorporated into the mixture. The meatballs, adorned with these exquisite flavors, are then quickly rendered in the microwave, ensuring the perfect balance of succulence without an excess of grease.

As the slow cooker methodically works its magic, the aromas that permeate your kitchen will undoubtedly tempt your taste buds, generating an air of eager anticipation. The gentle simmering process gradually infuses the meatballs and sauce with layers of taste, resulting in a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

This Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Marinara recipe is versatile and adaptable, lending itself to an array of serving options. Accompany it with your favorite pasta for a classic and heartwarming meal. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread to savor the divine sauce, or create hearty meatball subs for a delightful sandwich experience.

The sumptuous aroma of this delectable dish, coupled with the richness of flavors, makes it an excellent choice for gatherings with family and friends. Whether you are hosting a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting weeknight dinner, our Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Marinara recipe guarantees a memorable culinary experience for all.

In conclusion, we invite you to immerse yourself in the delectable world of slow-cooked perfection. With each bite of the tender meatballs bathed in the tantalizing marinara sauce, you will savor the passion and expertise that went into creating this exceptional dish.