Best Ever Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for Best Ever Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

• Converted Long Grain Rice
• Lean Ground Beef
• Eggs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (for meatballs) + 1/2 cup chopped onion (for sauce)
• Garlic Cloves
• Dried Oregano Leaves
• Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (meatballs) + 1 teaspoon salt (sauce)
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• Vegetable Oil
• Onions
• Black Peppercorns
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Best Ever Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

1. Cook Rice: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice with 4 cups boiling water. Let stand for 30 minutes to soak.
2. Drain the rice thoroughly and return it to the bowl.
3. Prepare Meatball Mixture: Add 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the rice. Gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 16 meatballs, each about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes total.
6. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker.
7. Make the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
8. Add Aromatics: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
9. Simmer the Sauce: Add 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
10. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
11. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
12. Finish and Serve: Discard the cinnamon stick before serving. Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, couscous, or mashed potatoes, or enjoy them in a sub roll!