Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

This Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs recipe is juicy and flavorful, which uses lean ground turkey and crushed tomatoes for a hearty, slow-simmered sauce. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 7 hours and 20 minutes.

Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 lbs (907g) 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the pan)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use 1/4 tsp for less heat)
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional for serving: chopped basil, parsley, and/or fresh parmesan

How To Make Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine turkey, egg, panko, parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
2. Form the meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll into a ball, and place on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat to make 30–34 meatballs.
3. Prepare the slow cooker base: Grease a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add chopped onions, one can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine.
4. Sear the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high. Brown meatballs on each side for 1 minute (working in batches). Transfer them to the slow cooker.
5. Add the remaining sauce: Pour the second can of crushed tomatoes over the meatballs. Add crushed red pepper and bay leaves.
6. Slow cook everything: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 4 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve and garnish: Serve over pasta, in subs, or on their own. Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, or more parmesan if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
  Browning adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold shape, but you can skip it if short on time.
• Can I freeze these meatballs?
  Yes! Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
  Absolutely. Just be sure it’s not too lean to avoid dryness.
• How do I make it spicier?
  Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• What pasta goes best with turkey meatballs?
  Spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne all pair perfectly.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

• Spaghetti or any pasta
• Hoagie rolls for meatball subs
• Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
• Mashed potatoes
• Garlic bread or salad

How To Store Turkey Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Freeze with sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Turkey Meatballs Nutrition Facts (Per Meatball, Approximate)

• Calories: ~90
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: Varies by ingredients

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do turkey meatballs fall apart in the slow cooker?
Not if you brown them first and don’t overmix the meat mixture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all meatballs without overcrowding.

How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check labels on canned products.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes—try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.

Why are my meatballs dry?
Avoid overcooking and use ground turkey with at least 93% lean content.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Turkey Loin
• Crock Pot Turkey Legs
• Crock Pot Turkey Gravy