Savory Italian Crockpot Meatballs

Winter is the time for savory, hearty meals at home. When I see snow on the ground, I just want to simmer things in thick, flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe combines all of those elements: hearty, savory, and tomato-y.  
I first tried this recipe when Mark and I got married. Mainly because meatball subs seem to be one of his favorite things on earth. (Is your husband like that or is it just mine?) Personally, I had never been a big meatball fan. However, little did I know that I would really love this recipe. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and a salad, or with melty provolone cheese on an Italian sub bun. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Meatballs: 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 c. milk 1/2 c. dry bread crumbs 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. salt sprinkle of pepper 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1 lb. ground beef 1 lb Italian sausage
Sauce: 15 oz. tomato sauce 6 oz. tomato paste 1/2 small onion, chopped small green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 c. red wine 1/3 c. water 1 tsp. minced garlic (or to taste) 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. sugar pinch of salt pinch of pepper
Instructions: 1. Make the meatballs by combining the beaten eggs and milk. Then, add in the bread crumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Finally, add in your meats. Mix up really well in a large bowl.  Shape into 1 inch balls.  2. Saute the meatballs until browned on the outside. Then put in a slow cooker. 3. Combine the sauce ingredients, and pour over the meatballs. 4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.  5. Enjoy with sub buns or a salad.

My favorite thing about crockpot recipes is that you can fix all your ingredients, dump them into the slow cooker, and then not worry about it again. In the evenings, we enjoy going to the gym together, so knowing that I don't have to worry about supper when we get home is a plus. Not too mention this recipe will fill your house with the delicious savory scent of tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. So good! Let me know what you think!
Recipe original sourced from the Fix It and Forget It Cookbook.