3. Heat oven to 350 degrees, rack in middle. Mash bread with milk. Add bratwurst, beef, rice, 1 tsp pepper, ½ tsp salt and mix.
4. Divide mixture into 16 portions (1/4 cup), roll into balls. Transfer to baking dish and pour sauce over. Cover with foil and bake about 1 hour. Transfer meat balls to serving dish, skim off any fat, discard bay leaf and pour sauce over meatballs. Serve