Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels comforting and special, this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I love this recipe because it transforms lean turkey into juicy, flavorful meatballs without a ton of fuss. Plus, letting the slow cooker do the work means you can set it and forget it, which is perfect for busy days when you want a homey meal waiting for you.

When I first tried this slow cooker turkey meatballs recipe, I was surprised by how tender and well-seasoned they turned out, even without frying them to a crisp all the way through. You’ll find that the slow cooking melds the herbs and sauce into every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe balances simple pantry staples with fresh touches to bring out deep, comforting flavors. Here are some of my favorite ingredient tips to ensure your meatballs come out just right.

• Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean for great texture—it’s lean but still juicy enough to keep the meatballs moist.
• Egg: You’ll need this as a binder to help the meatballs hold together without getting tough.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I like panko because it keeps meatballs tender and light rather than dense.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for searing, it adds flavor and helps develop a lovely brown crust on the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes a difference—you get that salty, nutty punch that elevates the meatballs.
• Garlic: Both fresh minced garlic in the meatballs and sauce bring depth without being overpowering.
• Dried Oregano, Basil, Thyme: These Italian classic herbs give the meatballs their aromatic, comforting profile.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t skimp here!
• Sweet Onion: Adds natural sweetness to the sauce base, balancing the acidity from the tomatoes.
• Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: The sauce’s heart, bringing richness and body for slow cooking perfection.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional but I love the subtle spicy heat it adds that wakes up the sauce.
• Bay Leaves: They might be small but pack a big punch for that deep slow cooker flavor.

Variations

I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe depending on my mood and what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s forgiving and flexible!

• Make it Spicier: I sometimes double the crushed red pepper flakes for a hotter kick that my family enjoys.
• Substitute Turkey: Ground chicken or even a mix of ground beef and turkey work well if you want a different texture and flavor.
• Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can be tossed in for a brighter or woodsy note, especially in warmer months.
• Cheese Variations: Try adding a bit of shredded mozzarella inside the meatballs for a gooey surprise when you bite in.

How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix Meatball Ingredients Gently

Start by combining your ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make your meatballs dense, so I usually stop as soon as the ingredients come together nicely.

Step 2: Shape and Sear Meatballs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and roll it gently between your palms into a ball. I find using slightly wet hands helps prevent sticking. Place your formed meatballs on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. To get that rich, browned exterior, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear meatballs in batches for about one minute per side. This step adds flavor and helps them hold together better in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

Spray or oil your slow cooker, then layer the chopped sweet onions on the bottom. Pour one can of crushed tomatoes over the onions, then add tomato paste and minced garlic. Stir gently so the tomato paste distributes evenly but don’t overmix—you want those flavors to slowly marry throughout the cooking.

Step 4: Add Meatballs and Remaining Sauce

Carefully place the seared meatballs into the slow cooker on top of the sauce. Pour the second can of crushed tomatoes over the meatballs, then sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes and tuck in bay leaves for subtle aromatic depth. Resist the urge to stir; keeping the meatballs intact in the sauce is part of the charm.

Step 5: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, which lets the flavors develop fully and the meatballs get incredibly tender. If you’re pressed for time, cooking on high for about 4 hours also works just fine. Once done, remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve these turkey meatballs, I always sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant touch. A little fresh parmesan cheese grated over the warm meatballs is my favorite finishing touch—totally makes the dish feel restaurant-quality without much effort.

Side Dishes

I often pair these meatballs with spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Garlic bread and a crisp green salad complete the meal nicely if you want something simple and satisfying. For family dinners, mashed potatoes or polenta work wonderfully too, soaking up that savory tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for a party, I served these meatballs as sliders with toasted mini buns, a dollop of marinara, and melted mozzarella on top—everyone loved them as finger food! You can also skewer the meatballs with fresh herbs for easier serving at gatherings. It’s a great option if you want to impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey meatballs with sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and they reliably last about 5 to 7 days. Keeping them deeply covered helps the meatballs stay moist and flavorful. Just reheat gently, and they’re almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

This slow cooker turkey meatballs recipe freezes beautifully. I let the meatballs cool completely, pack them with sauce into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

My go-to for reheating is gently warming the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This prevents dryness compared to microwaving, which sometimes toughens turkey meatballs. If you do microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Recipe simplifies dinner while delivering big flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and the leftovers keep well if you want to plan ahead. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make these meatballs and how your family will keep asking for more. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!

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