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CHEESY MEATBALLS

Can meatballs be lucky? My guys think so, and they want them for game time. My beef, sausage and cheese recipe has a big fan following.

—JILL HILL DIXON, IL



PREP: 1 HOUR • COOK: 4 HOURS • MAKES: ABOUT 9 DOZEN


1 large egg

1/2 cup 2% milk

2 tablespoons dried minced onion

4 tablespoons chili powder, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)

2 pounds ground beef

1 pound bulk pork sausage

2 cups shredded process cheese (Velveeta)

1 can (26 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted

1/2 cups water

1 cup packed brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk egg, milk, minced onion, 2 tablespoons chili powder, salt and pepper; stir in crushed crackers. Add beef, sausage and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly.

2. Shape the mixture into 1-in. balls. Place the meatballs on greased racks in 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until browned.

3. Meanwhile, in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine soup, water, brown sugar and remaining chili powder. Gently stir in the meatballs. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.