Crockpot Turkey Meatballs are a healthy addition to your weeknight meals over your favorite pasta. These are super easy to make and cook in the slow cooker while you go about your day. They also freeze great for later!
Slow cooker meals are my favorite any time of the year. In the winter I love how comforting and cozy those meals are and of course how quick they come together.
I am a big fan of Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Crockpot Lasagna in the colder months.
I also like crockpot meals during the warmer months because it means I don’t have to heat up my house cooking a meal all day.
These Crockpot Turkey Meatballs are my go-to meatballs for my family.
They are great with your favorite pasta any day of the week and also freeze really nicely for later. My kids go crazy for these meatballs and so do I.
They love a big bowl of pasta with the turkey meatballs along with this Lemon Arugula Salad and crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s an overview of the simple ingredients we’re using. Jump to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and printable instructions.
- Ground Turkey: You could easily make these meatballs using ground beef though.
- Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help to hold the meatballs together. I use regular breadcrumbs but you can also use seasoned breadcrumbs if you want.
- Egg: The egg also helps bind together the meatballs.
- Parsley: I like to add finely chopped parsley to the meatballs for the extra flavor. You can feel free to leave it out or use dried in its place.
- Cheese: My turkey meatballs use Reggiano Parmigiano cheese that is grated. You can use any parmesan cheese that is finely grated.
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Add Sauce Ingredients: In the slow cooker put the crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil and oregano and stir well.
Step 2: Create Meatballs: Start by combining the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, cheese and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl using your hands. Form the ground turkey mixture into small meatballs and place them in the sauce. Make sure that the meatballs are all covered with the sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cooker Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Serve warm with pasta, crusty bread and a salad.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove, in the oven, or microwave until hot.
Recipe FAQ
Yes you can add raw turkey meatballs directly to the crockpot. However if you brown them first in a skillet it will help brown them and hold them together better when cooking.
Make sure to always use good binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs. You also can chill the meatballs before cooking and growing to help them stay intact.
More Meatball Recipes to Try
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Crockpot Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 1/4 cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs {or regular breadcrumbs}
- 1/4 cup Reggiano Parmigiano cheese, grated {or any finely grated parmesan cheese}
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped {or substitute 2 teaspoons dried parsley}
- 1 egg
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 – 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the crock pot. Add garlic, bay leaf and stir.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt and pepper. Using clean hands mix all the ingredients and form small meatballs.
- Drop meatballs into the sauce, cover and set crock pot to low for 4 to 6 hours.
- When meatballs are ready and have reached a temperature of 160 degrees F, adjust salt and pepper to taste and add fresh chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve with Italian bread or over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- You can use ground beef instead of turkey if you like.
- These are freezer friendly.
how many cans crushed tomatoes?
Can you please give nutritional guide on recipes for those of us on weight watchers?
At this point I do not offer nutritional information but am working on implementing this in the future. I hope in the next six months to have this up and running. Sorry!
how many cans crushed t
Sorry! 1- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes {or if you do two cans that equal a similar amount}.
Meatballs of any sort in a tomato based sauce are my weakness. I can’t resist!
Me too! I end up eating way too many!