tender turkey meatballs simmer gently in a rich tomato sauce, making for a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker recipe lets you set it and forget it while filling your home with delicious aromas.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time4 hr 5 min
Total Time4 hr 20 min
Difficulty
Hard
Cooking Advice
Brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the tomato sauce.
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often, as it lets heat escape and can extend cooking time.
Ingredients
0/10
Why This Dish Is Amazing
These meatballs are tender and full of flavor, made easy by the slow cooker. The tomato sauce is rich and comforting, making this dish a perfect family meal. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Step 1
Cook the onion with the Italian dressing in a small pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onion softens. Take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, bread crumbs, garlic, the sautéed onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. In another bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and dried basil.
Step 2
Shape half of the turkey mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches wide and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spoon half of the tomato sauce mixture over the meatballs. Then, make the rest of the meatballs and layer them on top, pouring the remaining sauce over everything. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for around 4 hours. By the end, you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs ready to enjoy!
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people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
Best Foods To Serve With This
Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad pairs well to balance the meal. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Leftover Tips
Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will yield similar results.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
No, browning is optional since the slow cooker will fully cook the meatballs and develop flavor.
Can I freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce?
Yes, they freeze well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair nicely with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients gently and use the bread crumbs to help bind them.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use Italian-style bread crumbs?
Regular bread crumbs work too, but Italian-seasoned ones add extra flavor.
Can I cook this on high for less time?
Yes, cooking on high for about 4 hours works well if you're short on time.
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