Ingredients
2 eggs, lightly beaten1/2 cup dry bread crumbs1/4 cup barbecue sauce2 tablespoons dried minced onion1 tablespoon brown sugar1 tablespoon ketchup2 garlic cloves, minced1 pound bulk Italian sausage3/4 pound ground beefSAUCE:1 tablespoon canola oil1 cup chopped sweet onion1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce1/4 cup packed brown sugar1/4 cup barbecue sauce1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1 tablespoon Dijon mustard1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, optional
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Add sausage and beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/4-in. balls. Place on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Meanwhile, for sauce, in a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Italian seasoning and mustard; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 6-8 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Add meatballs and stir gently to coat. If desired, sprinkle with cheese and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
