Meatballs in Sauce

This recipe is from ATK.

Serves 6

Microwave the meatballs on a large plate or in a casserole dish to contain the rendering fat. You will need two 4.5-ounce tubes or one 6-ounce can of tomato paste. This recipe makes enough sauce to coat 1 1/2 pounds of pasta. Use a garlic press to mince the 8 cloves quickly.

INGREDIENTS

• 2tablespoons olive oil
• 2onions, chopped fine
• 2/3cup tomato paste (see note)
• 8cloves minced garlic (see note)
• 1tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  Salt
• 1/2cup red wine
• 2(28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2large eggs
• 1 1/4pounds 85 percent lean ground beef
• 3tablespoons heavy cream
• 2tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1. COOK AROMATICS Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, tomato paste, 6 garlic cloves, oregano, pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until golden, about 8 minutes.
• 2. MAKE SAUCE Transfer half of onion mixture to large bowl; set aside. Add wine to pot with remaining onion mixture and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, then transfer to slow cooker.
• 3. FORM MEATBALLS Add ½ cup Parmesan, mozzarella, sausage, eggs, ¾ teaspoon salt, and remaining garlic to bowl with reserved onion mixture. Mash with potato masher until smooth. Add beef and cream to bowl and knead with hands until well combined. Form mixture into twelve 2-inch meatballs.
• 4. COOK MEATBALLS Microwave meatballs on large plate until fat renders and meatballs are firm, 4 to 7 minutes. Nestle meatballs in slow cooker, discarding rendered fat. Cover and cook on low until meatballs are tender and sauce is slightly thickened, 4 to 5 hours. Skim fat. Stir in basil and remaining Parmesan. Season with salt. Serve over pasta.
• MAKE AHEAD Raw meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated separately up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, add sauce to slow cooker and microwave meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. Continue with recipe as directed.