I have an obsession.
With my slow cooker. You guys, seriously, my slow cooker sat in my cabinet for like 6 years untouched. I came up with every excuse not to use it… It’s too heavy, I didn’t plan ahead, I don’t know how. When in reality, I was just afraid. Of what, you ask? I have no idea, because I have just recently discovered that the slow cooker is my best friend. Is that sad?
With minimal prep work, you can make yourself a BOMB dinner with lots of leftovers. I do realize that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and maybe I should be posting only Thanksgiving recipes? But we still gotta eat dinner every night leading up to the big day! So why not make it easy on yourself and let dinner make itself.
Really, it MAKES ITSELF! Set and forget! I love making meatballs because you can really throw in any flavorings that you like. You can also use ground beef, but I’m personally more of a ground turkey girl. This time I chose to make the meatballs large and in charge. This way I only had about six or seven, three or four.
It couldn’t be easier. Throw all your ingredients into a big bowl. Combine using a fork, (or clean hands is even better), form your meatballs and add them to the slow cooker as you go!
Top with your favorite marinara sauce, close the lid, and go get a manicure. Or take a nap. Or make cookies! Or plan your Thanksgiving menu.
I love these served over rice, pasta, or just as is with a salad!
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Dinner made easy!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats
What?! SIX YEARS?! I’m so glad you finally fell in love with the slow cooker. It’s my assistant in life 🙂 Love these meatballs. I’ve gotta make them!
Life is but a Dish
I know, crazy right!!?? I can’t believe it took me so long either! xoxo
Cassie
Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe?
Life is but a Dish
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!
Lisa Davis
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.
Life is but a Dish
Yes! Could definitely cook on high!
Mia
I want to make these this week, do you think I could substitute the breadcrumbs for almond meal?
Life is but a Dish
Yes!!
Jerry
Can these be frozen?
Life is but a Dish
Yes!
Mia Zam
Is there a way to make this without the egg? My son has an egg allergy…
Life is but a Dish
Yes you could leave it out and I think it would work fine!
Afsoon
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!
Life is but a Dish
Yay! So glad you like them!