Life is but a Dish

Easy, approachable recipes for the everyday home cook

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

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The most delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs, covered in marinara sauce and cooked to perfection!

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

I LOVE a slow cooker meal. Minimal prep work, BOMB dinner, tons of leftovers. It’s an absolute weeknight necessity and I rely on mine alllll the time. These Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs have become an often-requested comfort food in our house. Kids and adults love them, they’re easy as can be…why say no?!

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

It couldn’t be easier. Throw all your ingredients into a big bowl.  Combine using a fork (or clean hands), form meatballs, and add them to the slow cooker as you go. Top it with your favorite marinara sauce, close the lid, and go get a manicure. Or take a nap, make cookies, plan your Thanksgiving menu…you get the point.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

I decided to go with large meatballs for this recipe! I love how they fill a plate, and the leftovers are fantastic. I actually scooped these with an ice cream scoop for easy and uniform meatballs! You could do them any size you like. Sometimes we even go miniature!

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

How to Serve Meatballs

I love how versatile these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs are! You can make a meal as simple or elaborate as you want. I’d serve them with…

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • As a main dish next to a salad
  • In a sandwich
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

More Weeknight Dinners

Food photography by Ashley Cuoco

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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Life is But a Dish
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

The most delicious turkey meatballs, covered in marinara sauce and cooked in a slow cooker to perfection.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds ground turkey meat
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 26 ounce jar marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients (up through the parsley) to a large bowl. Mix using a fork until combined. Do not over-mix. If mixture seems too wet, add 1 tablespoon at a time of bread crumbs until it’s easy to handle and form into balls.
  2. Pour a small amount of sauce into the slow cooker. Just enough to cover the bottom. As you form the meatballs, place them in the cooker. I made larger size meatballs (slightly larger than the size of a golf ball) This made about 24. Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 6-6.5 hours. Serve plain, over rice, or with pasta.

Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients (up through the parsley) to a large bowl. Mix using a fork until combined. Do not over-mix. If mixture seems too wet, add 1 tablespoon at a time of bread crumbs until it’s easy to handle and form into balls.
  2. Pour a small amount of sauce into the Instant Pot. Just enough to cover the bottom. As you form the meatballs, place them in the pot. I made larger size meatballs (slightly larger than the size of a golf ball) This made about 24. Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs. Close lid and turn the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes, release the pressure and serve plain, over rice, or with pasta.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • I do not, but you are welcome to type the exact ingredients you use into an online calorie counter! There are a ton that are free!

  3. This recipe sounds great! I can’t wait to try it. I was wondering if it is possible to cook them on high for say 3-4 hours vs low for 6 hours? I would love these for a weeknight meal but work until 4:00 each day.

    Reply

    • There are other binders that you can use in place of egg. if you google it there are ratios of other ingredients to substitute. hope that helps. I used applesauce as a replacement for meatballs when I had run out of eggs.

  7. Love love these meatballs!! Thank you so much!!! I usually try to pick recipes with veggies in there for my son but these are awesome. They will be our meatball recipe from now on. Thank you!

    Reply

  9. What fat percentage turkey do you use? I prefer 93% lean as its healthier but wouldn’t want the meatballs to be tough because of the lower fat content. I know 85% lean tastes better too sadly.

    Reply

  11. This was delish! I used half ground beef and half turkey and that worked out fine. Also used dried parsley since I didn’t have fresh. Definitely will make again. We served it on rolls for a meatball sub. Perfect dinner for summer.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  12. my fav! haven’t been able to make this in a few years, but headed back to it as soon as i got a slow cooker again! thinking of yall and sending so much love!

    Reply

  13. Hi! I follow many of your recipes religiously. Love them all! Wondering if you have any tips for getting the burn message on the instant pot?? I haven’t had great success with my instant pot…thanks for your time!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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