Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.
5. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
5. Temperature:
Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 421
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 29g
Sodium: 1117mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for the ground lamb or beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or basil can be used instead of dried oregano.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different spices such as cumin or paprika to change up the flavor profile.
- Make smaller meatballs and serve them as appetizers with toothpicks.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the meatballs and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted carrots
- Steamed broccoli
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Meatballs are a popular dish in many cultures, including Italian, Swedish, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The meatballs are savory and slightly spicy, while the tomato sauce is sweet and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the meatballs and sauce family-style in a large bowl or on individual plates.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A