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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Turkey » Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

by Sarah Olson on September 12, 2022 | Updated January 3, 2023 4 Comments

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These Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs pack all the Italian flavors of tomatoes, garlic, Italian season, and a few other pantry staples. This meatball recipe not only yields a tender and juicy meal option, but it’s something your whole family is sure to love.

Does your family love meatballs? Try my Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs to switch things up a bit!

Turkey meatballs cooked in tomato sauce.

Why this works

Crockpot turkey meatballs are a versatile dish you can start during the day and have ready for dinner tonight. The ingredients are healthy and simple, meaning you won’t have difficulty finding exactly what you need.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for turkey meatballs on a table.
  • Ground Turkey: Depending on the size of meatballs you prefer, two pounds of ground turkey will yield plenty.
  • Bread Crumbs: Italian bread crumbs help hold the meatballs together while adding an additional flavor. You can also use plain breadcrumbs.
  • Tomatoes: Three different types of tomatoes come together to create the flavorful tomato sauce – crushed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
  • Vegetables: Green bell pepper, onion, and celery simmer with other sauce ingredients for a fantastic taste to compliment the cooked meatballs.
  • Other Meatball Mixture Items: seasonings such s salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder, heavy cream, large eggs, and parmesan cheese combine to make the meatballs extra juicy and tasty.

Step-by-Step Directions

collage about how to make meatballs in slow cooker with tomato sauce.

Step One – Add the sauce ingredients to a large slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. (Do not add meatballs at this time.)

Step Two – Add the meatball ingredients to a large bowl.

Step Three – Using your hands, mix everything together and make meatballs about 2″ in size.

Step Four – Add a little vegetable oil to a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides.

Step Five – Add meatballs to the slow cooker, covering them entirely in the sauce.

Step Six – Turn the slow cooker to low, cover and cook for another 4 hours. Garnish and serve.

side view of turkey meatballs in crockpot.

How to serve

  • You can’t go wrong by serving these turkey meatballs on a plate of spaghetti. In fact, you can do these cooked meatballs with any pasta.
  • Many different toppings pair perfectly with meatballs in tomato sauce. Grated parmesan cheese or melted mozzarella is a classic go-to. You can also add fresh parsley, fresh basil, and a dash of red pepper flakes to compliment this dinner.
  • And let’s not forget the bread! Delicious recipes like this cannot be complete with a nice slice of garlic bread, toast, or sticks.
  • These are also great for making meatball sandwiches or meatball subs. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and a helping of marinara sauce, and you’re all set to go.
overhead shot of turkey meatballs on spaghetti.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use different meat other than ground turkey?

You sure can. Of course, it will change the recipe’s name, but you can go for ground beef, ground chicken, or ground pork.

Can I use frozen meatballs (storebought) instead?

Yes. You’ll still want to wait the 4 hours to allow the sauce to simmer and fuse together.

How do I store the turkey meatballs leftovers?

Add any remaining meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They will also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Will these meatballs go well with zucchini noodles?

Absolutely! Not to mention, it will also make the meal even healthier. You could also use spaghetti squash.

side view of turkey meatballs in front of slow cooker.

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side view of turkey meatballs in crockpot.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

4.80 from 5 votes
Want a meal to wow your family? These homemade turkey meatballs are great for spaghetti night.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 412kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

Sauce

  • 45 oz. tomato sauce (three 15-oz. cans)
  • 10.5 oz Rotel Tomatoes
  • 30 oz. diced tomatoes (two 15-oz. cans)
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 1 large celery rib diced
  • 2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Meatballs

  • 2 lbs. ground turkey
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 2 Tbsp. of the prepared sauce (from above)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Note: The meatballs do not get added until the 4 hours mark.
  • Add the sauce ingredients to a large slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.
  • In a large bowl add the meatball ingredients and mix together using your hands.
  • Form meatballs of the same dimension each, around two tablespoons.
  • Add a little vegetable oil to a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides.
  • Add the meatballs to the sauce making sure they’re all in the sauce, cover. Turn the slow cooker to low and cook another 4 hours. Don’t stir during this time.
  • If you’re eating with spaghetti you’ll need to prepare that when it’s close to the end of cooking time.
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Recipe Notes:

  1. You can use ground beef, ground pork or ground chicken in this recipe instead of the turkey.
  2. To store, add any remaining meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They will also freeze well for up to 3 months.
  3. Want to use frozen meatballs? You can do that, though still add them at the four hour mark.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 1407mg | Potassium: 1637mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1563IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Pizza Meatballs
  • Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs (From Frozen)
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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    329 shares
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    Filed Under: Dinner, Turkey

    Comments

    1. C. Akst says

      September 30, 2022 at 5:38 pm

      A total of 8 hours on high? I would like to try this recipe but I’m afraid the sauce would burn after that length of time.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 30, 2022 at 5:56 pm

        It should say 4 hours on low after you add the meatballs. No the sauce won’t burn, it’s too liquidy.

        Reply
    2. Anne Marie says

      September 30, 2022 at 4:38 am

      4 stars
      These look amazing! If I want to make these for a potluck dinner, is it ok to double the recipe? Or make smaller meatballs? What would you suggest since it would be going into a large Crock-Pot.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 30, 2022 at 6:10 am

        You can double these! The cooking time will be the same since they are partially cooked.

        Reply

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