Description
Enjoy these incredibly tender, protein-packed turkey meatballs, gently poached in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow-cooker method ensures the turkey remains moist and flavorful without the need for high-heat searing. Infused with fresh garlic and aromatic parsley, these meatballs are a healthy, comforting staple that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
24 oz high-quality marinara sauce
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch meatballs using damp hands.
Pour about 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Carefully place the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Serve warm over your favorite pasta or zoodles.
Notes
Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup significantly easier. For best texture, handle the turkey meat while it is cold to keep the fat from rendering too early. If you prefer a firmer meatball, you can briefly sear them in a pan before adding to the slow cooker, though this is not required.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approx. 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg