If you're on the hunt for a comforting, mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than these Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce! Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender meatballs simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce, ready to be devoured. This Italian-inspired recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your dinner game with this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 18-20 meatballs.
- Lightly spray the interior of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a base layer for the meatballs.
- Carefully place the prepared meatballs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, gently remove the meatballs using a slotted spoon to prevent breaking.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality marinara sauce. Fresh basil as a garnish adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish's aroma.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for uniform meatballs (about
- 5 inches in diameter) to ensure even cooking. A cookie scoop can help achieve consistent sizes.
- Layering is Key: Pouring half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker prevents the meatballs from sticking and adds flavor from the start.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over spaghetti, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Leftovers Bliss: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for a quick meal later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
