Meatballs

This recipe is pretty flexible. You can use any ground meat you like. I like to mix breadcrumbs but use what you have.

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs. I like 1/2 Italian and 1/2 Panko.
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• salt and pepper
• 2 24 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• basil for serving, if desired
• parmesan cheese for serving, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add beef, pork, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs and cheese to a large bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until combined. Don’t overmix.
2. Form into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. I made 24 meatballs.
3. Lightly grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper. Broil meatballs on high until browned on each side. About 4-5 minutes on each side.
4. Add meatballs to slow cooker. Top with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
5. Cook on low for 4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with basil or parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.