Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs recipe delivers a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days. Made with lean ground turkey and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, the meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce to achieve juicy, tender results. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this hands-off recipe is great for meal prepping or a comforting homemade dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, finely chopped garlic and onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.
- Layer Meatballs in the Slow Cooker: Pour a layer of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs on top in a single layer, then cover with the remaining sauce to keep them moist while cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender. The slow cooking process locks in juices and enhances flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use a slotted spoon to transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Spoon extra sauce over them and serve with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
- Shape meatballs uniformly for even cooking.
- Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality turkey enhance flavor.
- Ensure enough sauce to keep meatballs moist but not diluted.
- Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet before slow cooking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg