The meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. You could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta or on a sandwich with melted provolone.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 2  large eggs
• 1/2  cup(s) dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tip)
• 1/2  cup(s) finely chopped onion
• 1/2  cup(s) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4  cup(s) minced fresh parsley
• 3  clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1  teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2  teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 8  ounce(s) lean (90-percent or leaner) ground beef
• 8  ounce(s) ground pork or Italian pork sausage
• 8  ounce(s) ground veal

Sauce and Spaghetti:

• 1  tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1  cup(s) finely chopped onion
• 3  clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
• 2  teaspoon(s) Italian seasoning
• 1/4  teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
• 1  cup(s) dry red wine
• 1  can(s) (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 1  can(s) (14-ounce) diced tomatoes
• 1  pound(s) whole-wheat spaghetti
• 1  tablespoon(s) finely chopped fresh oregano

Directions

1. To prepare meatballs: Lightly beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup onion, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add beef, pork (or sausage), and veal; gently mix until combined (do not overmix). Using 1/4 cup for each, make 16 meatballs and place in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. To prepare sauce and spaghetti: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add wine and boil for 1 minute. Add crushed and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
3. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
4. 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions.
5. Spoon any fat off the sauce; add oregano. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti with extra Parmesan, if desired.

   Exchanges: 3 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat.