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–+ servings
Crockpot Turkey Meatballs 1

Crockpot Turkey Meatballs

These Crockpot Turkey Meatballs deliver comforting, homemade taste without the guilt or time commitment. Packed with lean protein and simmered to perfection, they're versatile enough to serve as a main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Browning Time (Optional) 10 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet (for optional browning)

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for a carb-free alternative
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion very finely diced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning, optional

For the sauce

  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes 28 oz cans
  • 1 can tomato paste 6 oz can
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey optional, balances acidity
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, diced onion, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing will make your meatballs tough.
  • Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter (about golf ball size). This should yield around 24-28 meatballs.
  • Optional browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown meatballs in batches, turning occasionally to get color on multiple sides. Don't worry about cooking them through – this step is just for developing flavor.
  • In your slow cooker, combine all sauce ingredients (crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, garlic, and seasonings). Stir well to incorporate the tomato paste evenly throughout the sauce.
  • Carefully place the meatballs (browned or raw) into the sauce in your slow cooker, gently nestling them so they're mostly covered by sauce.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are tender throughout.

Notes

- Wet your hands slightly before forming the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- For extra precision, use a cookie scoop to measure consistent portions.
- The meatballs actually taste better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently as each peek extends cooking time by 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSodium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
Keyword Turkey Meatballs, Crockpot Meatballs, Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs, Healthy Meatballs
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