Crockpot Sesame Meatballs

 

Ingredients 

Meatballs: 

1 lb ground pork

1 lb. ground beef

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1/4 C grated onion

1/4 C Panko breadcrumbs 

1/4 C fresh cilantro , chopped

salt & pepper

Sauce:

3/4 C packed brown sugar 

1/2 C soy sauce 

1/2 C ketchup

1/4 C honey 

2 tbsp. white wine vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. salt 

1 tsp. ground pepper

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (use 1/4 tsp. for less heat) 

2 tbsp. green onion, white and green parts chopped

1 tbsp. sesame seeds

Directions 

Meatballs: 

1) In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 

2) Line two baking sheets with foil and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray. Form into 1 to 1 1/2 inch meatballs and place on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. 

3) Broil the meatballs on high 6 - 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, or just until browned. You want the meatballs ONLY browned on top not cooked through. 

Sauce: 

1) Combine all the sauce ingredients , except for the green onion and sesame seeds. 

2) Place the meatballs in a crockpot, coating with sauce evenly. 

3) Cook the meatballs on low for 3 hours. Mixing couple times to evenly coat with sauce. 

4) Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds. 

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 3 hours 10 minutes

Total: 3 hours 30 minutes

Makes: 50 mini meatballs

Cheese Manicotti

 

Ingredients

1 carton ( 15 oz) ricotta cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 C grated parmesan cheese, divided

4 C marinara sauce

1/2 C water 

1 pkg. ( 8 oz) manicotti shells

additional parsley, optional

Directions 

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients; stir in 1/2 C mozzarella cheese and 1/2 C Parmesan cheese. In another  bowl, mix marinara sauce and water; spread 3/4 C sauce onto bottom of a 13 x 9 in baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill uncooked manicotti shells with ricotta mixture; arrange over sauce. Top with remaining sauce.

2) Bake, covered, 50 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 C mozzarella cheese and 1/2 C Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. If desired, top with additional parsley. 

Prep: 25 minutes

Bake: 65 minutes

Total: 90 minutes

Serves: 7 

Easy Crescent Pizza Bake

 

Ingredients

1 can ( 8 oz ) refrigerated original crescent rolls (8 count) 

1 lb. lean ( at least 80% ) ground beef

1 C pizza sauce

1/2 C chopped green bell pepper (optional) 

1 C shredded mozzarella  cheese (4 oz)

25 slices pepperoni 

fresh basil or oregano, if desired 

Directions

1) Heat oven to 375 degrees. Separate dough into 8 triangles. Place in ungreased 9 in square pan or 10-in pie plate. Press in bottom and up the sides to form a crust. 

2) In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in pizza sauce and bell pepper (if using); simmer 5 minutes. Spoon beef mixture in crust-lined pan ; sprinkle with cheese. Top with pepperoni. 

3) Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve topped with basil. 

Prep: 25 minutes

Cook: 17 minutes

Total: 46 minutes

Serves: 6