Meatballs And Sausage In Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

Savory meatballs and spicy sausage simmered in rich spaghetti sauce create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 c. bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. garlic salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 small green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 lb. hot sausage
  • 2 qt. spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  1. Put spaghetti sauce in slow cooker on low.
  2. Pre-cook sausage until done.
  3. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  4. Form the mixture into meatballs.
  5. Cook meatballs until cooked through.
  6. Add sausage and meatballs to the slow cooker with sauce.
  7. Cook for 4 to 6 hours on low.
  8. Serve on hard rolls or over pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck if you're looking for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Also, make sure to brown the sausage well before adding it to the sauce for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these meatballs and sausage on hard rolls for delicious sandwiches, or over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad. For a different twist, consider serving alongside Rigatoni Pepperoni for a festive Italian feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of spaghetti sauce to keep them moist, or microwave them in a covered dish until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatballs And Sausage In Sauce contains roughly 725 calories, with 26g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (369% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

725 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.5g 53% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 133.4g 49% DV
Fiber 15.3g 55% DV
Sugar 19.4g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1187.9mg 52% DV
Potassium 1326.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 70.6mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 135.7mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 331.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 378.6mg 29% DV
Iron 8.4mg 47% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and place them on a baking sheet; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just remember to thaw them before cooking.

What type of spaghetti sauce should I use?

Any jarred or homemade spaghetti sauce works well. If you like a bit of spice, opt for a marinara with added red pepper flakes or a meat sauce for extra richness. You can also browse more Italian recipes for homemade sauce ideas.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can mix different meats like ground beef, pork, or even turkey for a healthier option. Just ensure the total weight remains the same, and adjust the seasoning accordingly for the best flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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