If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s as unfussy as it is delicious, this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy turkey meatballs are simmered in rich marinara sauce until melt-in-your-mouth tender, infusing every bite with Italian-inspired goodness. Whether you’re craving comfort food over pasta, building the ultimate meatball sub, or looking to meal prep for the week ahead, these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are delightfully simple and sure to steal the show at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these meatballs is in their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, layering flavor, texture, and color for that perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for each to make the most out of your Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.
- Ground Turkey: Opt for 93% lean for the perfect balance of richness and tenderness in your meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: These soak up just enough moisture to keep things juicy—use gluten-free if you need to!
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds subtle nuttiness and helps bind the meatballs together.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape while staying tender.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that classic Italian aroma and a gentle kick of flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and a touch of herbal freshness (dried parsley works in a pinch).
- Italian Seasoning: This spice blend is basically shortcut magic for infusing lots of flavor fast.
- Salt: Just the right amount is key to pulling all those savory flavors together.
- Black Pepper: A pinch boosts the meatballs’ gentle heat and complements the herbs.
- Olive Oil: For browning, which seals in juices and adds delicious depth.
- Marinara Sauce: Grab your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—it’s the flavorful bath your turkey meatballs will love.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to lightly mix everything just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs, so keep it gentle—a little rusticity is perfect!
Step 2: Roll the Meatballs
Scoop out the mixture and roll it into 1.5-inch balls, aiming for about 16 evenly-sized meatballs. Wetting your hands with water helps the mixture not stick, making the process quick and easy. Uniform size ensures even cooking so each Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball comes out perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown your meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Don’t worry about cooking them through—you’re just looking for that gorgeous golden crust, which locks in flavor and sets the stage for slow cooker magic.
Step 4: Into the Slow Cooker
Transfer all browned meatballs to your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top. The sauce will soak into every nook and cranny, bathing the meatballs as they cook low and slow.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. When ready, your Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs will be beautifully tender, perfectly cooked through, and gloriously saucy—ready for serving and devouring!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Garnishes
Shower your meatballs with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added freshness and vibrant color. A dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil over the top will never go amiss for guests who love a little extra zest!
Side Dishes
The classic way to serve Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs is over al dente spaghetti or tender zucchini noodles. They’re also excellent tucked into crusty hoagie rolls for a meatball sub, or paired with a green salad and garlic bread for a full Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond pasta—skewer these meatballs with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or layer them over creamy polenta for a comfort-food twist. They’re also fantastic stuffed into baked sweet potatoes or sliced and folded into wraps with crisp veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs cool to room temperature, then transfer them (with plenty of sauce) to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or busy night dinners.
Freezing
These meatballs are made for the freezer! Once cooked and cooled, pop them into freezer-safe containers, sauce and all. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months, making them ideal for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, simmering until heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the meatballs before slow cooking?
Absolutely! While browning adds an extra punch of flavor and helps the meatballs hold together, you can place the raw rolled meatballs straight into the slow cooker in a pinch. They’ll still turn out tender and tasty.
What’s the best kind of ground turkey to use for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs?
Look for 93% lean ground turkey for the juiciest results. Extra-lean turkey works if you prefer it lighter, but the little bit of fat helps with flavor and keeps the meatballs from drying out during the long cook.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs—everything else in this recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the larger batch without overcrowding. You may want to gently layer the meatballs and add a bit more sauce.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No marinara? No worries! Crushed tomatoes, tomato basil sauce, or even a garlicky store-bought pasta sauce can stand in. Taste and adjust the seasonings to fit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fuss-free dinner packed with comfort and flavor, give these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs a try! They’re simple, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table—no matter how you serve them.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish. Made with lean ground turkey and seasoned with herbs and cheese, these meatballs are cooked to perfection in a savory marinara sauce. Serve them over pasta, in sandwiches, or with zucchini noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine: ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Transfer meatballs to slow cooker, pour marinara sauce over. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Serve with preferred sides.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Browning meatballs adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Meatballs freeze well, store in airtight container with sauce for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
