Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering Italian feast without spending hours in the kitchen? These Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Meatballs are about to become your new secret weapon in delicious, hassle-free cooking! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce, packed with classic Italian herbs and flavors, all prepared with minimal effort and maximum taste. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for convenience, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner routine and have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly using clean hands or a wooden spoon until well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on desired size.
- Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a thin layer to prevent meatballs from sticking.
- Carefully place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly covered by the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove meatballs using a slotted spoon. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Pair with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
Tips
- Mix Gently: When combining meatball ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Size Matters: Keep meatballs uniform in size (about
- 5 inches) to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Non-Stick Preparation: Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Sauce Coverage: Make sure meatballs are mostly covered in marinara sauce for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Temperature Check: Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
