Meatball Subs

Alright guys. This one is a bit of a doozy, both in taste and prep. I'm going to throw out 3 different parts here- the tomato sauce, the meatballs, and the meatball subs. I made the tomato sauce for some chicken parm, then used the leftovers to make meatballs subs a couple of days later.

Over the past year, I've developed a love for all things crock potted, mostly because of her. The tomato sauce is slow cooked. Like I said, I used it for chicken parm and the meatball subs, but it would also be great on spaghetti or whatever.

Slow-Cooked Tomato Sauce

8-9 medium sized tomatoes, peeled and mashed

1 small can tomato puree

2 bay leaves

1 T herbes de provence, or to taste (I love hdp, so I'm a bit more heavy handed)

1 t red pepper flakes

1 can tomato sauce

This is why I love the crock pot. You can essentially dump it all in there and forget it. I cooked it on low for about 6 or 7 hours, but you could also do it on high for 3 or 4 hours. I babysat it, just because I'm the type that can't NOT stir it. I got all nervous that it was WAY too thick, and then it got WAY to thin, and then...... it was perfect. So lesson learned- just let it do it's thing. It will come out right.

Oh, and don't forget to remove the bay leaves.

Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey (or beef if you're not a fan)

1 large egg

1 c shredded parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic

1 T olive oil

1 T herbes de provence

1/2 c bread crumbs

1/2 t each S & P

Chop or grate the garlic, then put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands. (That's the best part. It's like play doh all over again.) Roll into small balls and place on a pammed cookie sheet. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes.

If you're going to make them into sandwiches, do the following:

Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for a few minutes. If you're doing this as leftovers, like I did, you can reheat the sauce in a saucepan and add the meatballs to it instead of putting them in the crock pot. Meanwhile, slice a loaf of bread open for sandwichs. Place in the oven until brown and toasty, then lay provalone cheese on the bread. Put the bread back in the oven until the cheese melts. (This takes, like thirty seconds, so keep both eyes on it!!!!)

Pull the bread out, add the meatballs and a bit of sauce, and....voila!!!!

These turned out so well and were perfect for my unexpected guests. Throw a salad on the side, and you've got yourself a meal! They were mmm mmm good. And the leftovers were even better!

Sink or Swim? Swim.=D

Oh, and leave me a comment after you've read this so I know that you were here!