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These easy slow cooker turkey meatballs are a deliciously easy weeknight dinner you can start in the morning and have ready by dinner. Family friendly, and kid approved!
School is back in session and now is the time we are all scrambling to get back on routine with homework and after school activities. Finding time for a good meal is hard enough without also needing to spend time to cook it too. That’s why I am all about slow cooker meals. My family particularly loves slow cooker turkey meatballs.
How to Make the Best Turkey Meatballs:
Turkey meatballs in the slow cooker are juicy, full of flavor, and so easy to make.
- Add tomato sauce to the slow cooker.
- Make the meatball mixture: in a large bowl combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, finely grated parmesan cheese, milk, and seasonings.
- Form meatballs: use about 3 tablespoons of meat mixture per meatball.
- Optional – sear the meatballs: see the note below. This step isn’t necessary but adds flavor and texture if time allows.
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Searing Meatballs
Searing meatballs adds flavor and improves the texture. While it isn’t required to sear these easy turkey meatballs, if time allows, it is recommended.
To sear turkey meatballs, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or canola oil to the pan.
- When the oil is hot, add the meatballs.
- Rotate the meatballs every 2 minutes or so until there’s a golden brown crust on the entire meatball.
Sometimes I will prepare the meatballs the night before and store in an airtight container until the morning when I can turn on the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Turkey Meatballs
I like to serve these slow cooker turkey meatballs over spaghetti noodles, penne, or rotini along with:
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Enjoy!
Best Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 1 lbs ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/3 cup milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Set the slow cooker on high. Add the tomato sauce.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, milk, salt, and pepper together. Mix well with your hands until well combined.
- Roll into balls about 3 tablespoons in size. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Once all the meatballs are in the slow cooker, turn the slow cooker down to low.
- Cook for 8 hours on low, or until the meatballs are cooked through. (You can also cook on high for 4 hours if you need to speed things up).
