Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

SERVES: 10-12

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound country style pork ribs, preferably pasture raised
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage (either links that have been cut into 1 inch pieces or ground sausage), preferably pasture raised
• 1 pound homemade beef meatballs (we have a tried and true recipe you can follow), preferably grass-fed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• Necessary equipment: Slow cooker
• Serving suggestion: Serve over zucchini,cabbage or sweet potato 'noodles' and for a garnish top with fresh basil leaves or freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or both!)
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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In your largest skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and cook the ribs on one side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the prepared meatballs and sausage pieces to the pan (depending on the size of your pan you may need to cook the meat in batches) then flip the ribs over to the other side. After 2 to 3 minutes flip over the meatballs and sausage link pieces (or break up the sausage with a spatula if using ground). Keep cooking until all of the meat is done all the way through and no longer pink in the middle.
2. Transfer the meat from the pan to the slow cooker. In the same pan heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the onion. After 3 or 4 minutes add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so. Scrape the onion and garlic on top of the meat in the slow cooker.
3. Add both cans of tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker on top of the meat mixture.
4. Turn the slow cooker on high and cook for 5 to 6 hours or until the rib meat is falling off the bone. Serve with whole-grain noodles and a side salad and enjoy!

NOTES

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/09/27/recipe-slow-cooker-sunday-sauce-will-feed-crowd/