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crockpot ground turkey meatballs

Simple Crockpot Ground Turkey Meatballs

Delicious Simple Crockpot Ground Turkey Meatballs recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs::

  • 1 lb ground turkey (I like Butterball for a lean but juicy texture)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 onion (finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

For the sauce::

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (I use Cento for a sweeter, less acidic base)
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sautĂ© the diced onion and 2 tbsp minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add the ground turkey, egg, fresh parsley, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the cooled aromatics. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don't overmix, as this keeps the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place them directly into your crockpot. I prefer to work with slightly damp hands when forming meatballs; it prevents sticking and gives them a more uniform shape.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 1.5 tbsp minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The meatballs are done when they're cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. I like to use Cento crushed tomatoes specifically because they have a naturally sweeter, less acidic flavor that balances beautifully with the lean turkey.
  • Ladle the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. For the best presentation, let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving so they stay moist and flavorful.