BISON MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE

This is one of our go-to recipes for meatballs and I love the basic sauce. It’s great over noodles or simply with a warm loaf of homemade or store bought bread, AND it freezes great! So make double and freeze for an easy meal on those busy days or when you just don’t feel up to cooking.

Bison Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Tomato Sauce:

• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1 Bay leaf
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1-28oz can plum tomatoes

Method:

1. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, lightly brown the garlic in the oil with the bay leaf and red pepper flakes. Add the tomatoes, cover and simmer for 30 mins. When they begin to break down, coarsely crush the tomatoes using a pastry blender or potato masher. Season with salt and pepper.

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground bison
• ½ Cup bread crumbs
• ¼ Cup milk
• 1 Cup fresh grated parmesan
• 1 Egg
• 1 Clove garlic, minced
• ¼ Cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground fennel
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Method:

2. While the sauce is simmering prepare meatballs. Add milk and breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl and let soak for 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Form into meatballs using approximately 2 Tbsp of the mixture for each one.
4. Place the meatballs in the prepared tomato sauce, cover and let cook for 10 minutes, rotating half way through. Uncover and let cook another 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve on cooked noodles or with fresh bread.