Slow Cooker Marinara and Meatballs

I combined a new recipe for sauce to make this incredible dish! I am posting both recipes, and you just substitute the jarred sauce for this quick crock pot marinara. Cooked for 9 hours on low and it

Slow Cooker Marinara (Christine0120)

INGREDIENTS		COST
2 (28 oz.) cans	crushed tomatoes	$3.47
1 (6 oz.) can	tomato paste	$0.56
1 medium	yellow onion	$0.54
1/2 Tbsp	minced garlic	$0.10
2 whole	bay leaves	$0.10
1 Tbsp	dried basil	$0.15
1/2 Tbsp	dried oregano	$0.07
1 Tbsp	brown sugar	$0.02
1 Tbsp	balsamic vinegar	$0.09
to taste	salt & pepper	$0.05
TOTAL		$5.15

STEP 1: Cut the onion into a small dice and mince the garlic (or use pre-minced garlic from a jar). Place both in the slow cooker. Also add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, bay leaves, basil, oregano, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to combine. If your slow cooker tends to lose moisture and dry things out, add 1/2 to 1 cup of water as well.

STEP 2: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hrs.

STEP 3: Remove the lid on the slow cooker, stir the sauce, and remove the bay leaves. Season with salt to taste (I added about 1 tsp). Enjoy over your favorite pasta!

Now how easy was that? You can also try adding other ingredients like sliced mushrooms, Italian sausage (cook separately and add to the sauce after it has cooked), crushed red pepper, olive oil (for a richer sauce), bell peppers... the sky is the limit.

Slow Cooker Saucy Meatballs
Amy - amylz

1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Turkey
1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup water
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 medium green peppers, sliced (about 2 cups)
4 cups spaghetti sauce
1 pkg. (1 lb.) spaghetti
1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

COMBINE stuffing mix, meat, egg and water. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place in slow cooker; top with mushrooms, peppers and spaghetti sauce. Cover with lid. COOK on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (or on for HIGH 3 to 4 hours). COOK spaghetti as directed on package; drain. Serve meatballs with sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese.

Make your slow cooker preparation even faster. Prepare the meatballs and cut-up vegetables the night before. Cover and refrigerate until ready to add to the slow cooker. Top with the spaghetti sauce and continue as directed.