Spicy Meatballs and Sausage

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"Vintage Southern Living. I used to make this a lot when I was a beginner cook. A long-standing family favorite."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 45mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 -2 garlic clove, minced
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• hot cooked rice or hot cooked noodles

directions

1. Brown sausage in a large pot; remove and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.
2. Shape ground beef into 60 (3/4 inch) balls.
3. Saute meatballs in reserved drippings until browned, stirring gently.
4. Add in cooked sausage, bacon, jalapeno peppers, and seasonings.
5. Add in water and tomato paste, stirring gently.
6. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in kidney beans; cover and simmer 15 minutes.
8. Serve over hot cooked rice or noodles.