Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are your ticket to a deliciously easy dinner that will leave your guests raving and your taste buds dancing. Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a rich sauce, filling your kitchen with an aroma so delightful you’ll think you’ve been transported to an Italian trattoria. spicy peach chutney.
Now imagine the scene: you come home after a long day, the kind where everything seems to go awry. You open the door, and instead of chaos, you’re greeted by the mouthwatering scent of Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs wafting through the air. You can almost hear them calling out to you, promising a satisfying and cozy meal that feels like a warm hug. For more inspiration, check out this baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are incredibly easy to make, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience.
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
- Visually appealing with their glossy sauce and perfectly round shape, they look as good as they taste.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier meatball without sacrificing flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together and add texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds richness and depth to each bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only brightens the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color.
- Eggs: Eggs help hold the mixture together, ensuring your meatballs don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that infuses every meatball with delicious garlic flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in this dish.
For the Sauce:
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; it serves as a flavorful base for our meatballs.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs elevates the sauce, adding classic Italian flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined; your hands are your best tools here!
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you want to feel fancy), shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a plate as you work through all of them—this is where patience pays off!
Step 3: Sear (Optional)
For an extra layer of flavor (and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a little browning?), heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each meatball for about two minutes per side until browned. If you’re feeling lazy (and I get it), skip this step and go straight to cooking!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In your slow cooker, spread half of your marinara sauce at the bottom. Then gently place your meatballs on top before covering them with the remaining sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they become—just like my resolve when confronted with chocolate cake!
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked through—give those bad boys some time to soak in all that sauce—serve them over spaghetti or on their own as an appetizer. Don’t forget that extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish; we eat with our eyes first!
Imagine sitting down at your table as friends gather around excitedly waiting for that first bite of these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs—their faces lighting up like it’s Christmas morning! Transfer those flavorful gems onto plates and watch everyone dig in while proclaiming their undying love for both you and this recipe. healthy apple oatmeal bake.
Enjoy creating lasting memories over meals made from scratch! Trust me; these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs will become a staple in your home just like my aunt’s infamous lasagna (which is another story altogether). Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Slow cooker turkey meatballs are not just a meal; they’re a game-changer for busy weeknights.
- The delightful blend of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a staple for families.
- Plus, they’re so versatile that you’ll want them on your table every week!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the ground turkey with seasonings. Shape them into meatballs and place them in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the top and let them cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out turkey for chicken or beef if you prefer. Try adding chopped spinach or shredded cheese for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different sauces, like barbecue or teriyaki, to keep things fresh and exciting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use lean ground turkey to avoid greasy meatballs while keeping them moist.
- Always let your slow cooker do its magic without peeking too often—trust me, it’s worth it!
- A dash of Parmesan can elevate flavor and richness beyond belief.
Slow cooking these turkey meatballs reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dinner. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing us all together as we recounted stories from our day while savoring each bite.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs?
To make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs, gather ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. For the sauce, use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, along with Italian seasoning for added flavor. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Don’t forget to have some cooking spray on hand to prevent sticking in your slow cooker. With these essentials, you can whip up a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
How long do Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs take to cook?
Cooking time for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours on low heat or about 2 to 3 hours on high heat. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. If you’re in a hurry, using the high setting is perfectly fine too. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures that your meatballs are safe and cooked through while still being juicy.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs?
Yes! Freezing Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs is a great way to save leftovers or meal prep for busy days. Allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through. This makes weeknight dinners super convenient!
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs?
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs pair wonderfully with various sides. You can serve them over spaghetti for a classic meal or use them in sub rolls with marinara sauce and cheese for a hearty sandwich. For a healthier option, consider serving them with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or alongside a fresh salad. summer peach salad Rice or quinoa also complements the meatballs nicely, absorbing all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs:
In summary, Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are an easy and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a flavorful meal that satisfies everyone at your table. From cooking times to freezing options, this recipe offers flexibility and convenience for busy lifestyles. healthy overnight oats recipe Enjoy these tender meatballs with your favorite sides for a delightful dining experience that brings comfort and joy!
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and hassle-free dinner option that will satisfy your cravings. These juicy meatballs, made with lean ground turkey and aromatic spices, simmer in a rich marinara sauce, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, serve them over spaghetti or as an appetizer for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands.
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a plate.
- (Optional) Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side until browned.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the slow cooker. Add meatballs on top and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until cooked through.
- Serve over spaghetti or as an appetizer garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
