Classic Italian Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs 

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20) 
• 1 medium onion, grated, then chopped  
• 2/3 cup ricotta whole milk  
• 1/2 cup Italian unseasoned breadcrumbs 
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 
• 1 egg  
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 
• 3 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 
• 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced finely  
• 1 teaspoon salt kosher 
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes 

Sauce 

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 
• 1 small yellow onion or 1/2 medium, minced  
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped  
• 5 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt kosher 

Directions

1. In a bowl combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix with your hand until combined. Do not over mix! 
2. Roll out into 10-12 equally sized balls. 
3. In the slow cooker, combine the sauce ingredients. Mix. 
4. Lay the meatballs in the sauce (preferably in a single layer), close the lid and turn the slow cooker on Low. Cook for 4 hours. 

Makes: 5 servings