Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

We love making meatballs as they are an easy appetizer recipe or you can easily serve as a main dish. These crockpot turkey meatballs cook easily in a delicious marinara sauce which keeps them juicy and with a ton of flavor.

If you love making a Crockpot Meatball Subs or Crockpot BBQ Meatballs then you are going to love this homemade meatball recipe. Make sure to check out more ground turkey crock pot recipes or this Turkey Meatball Recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

Meatballs make the perfect meal to meal prep with. We prefer to use lean ground turkey to keep this recipe high in protein but lower in fat. The combination of the spices, bread crumbs, and ground turkey makes these meatballs a family favorite.

I love that the crockpot does all the work so when I get home I can easily serve over pasta for a home cooked meal idea.

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey – Lean ground turkey is best. You can also mix in ground beef
• Breadcrumbs – We prefer to use Panko Breadcrumbs
• Cloves Garlic, minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Marinara Sauce – You can use crushed tomatoes or any spaghetti sauce that you prefer

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Step 1 – In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the turkey mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.

Step 2 – Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3 – Place the turkey meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 4 – Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.

• Step 5 – Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Step 6 – Gently stir the meatballs to coat them evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Expert Tips

• Type of Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together and add texture. You can use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, it doesn’t matter. The seasoned breadcrumbs will give you more flavor.
• Making Meatballs – We recommend using an ice cream scoop to make the balls so they stay about the same size. This helps to cook the meatballs evenly.
• Single Layer – For best results place the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker.
• Meat Thermometer – To ensure that your meatballs are fully cook, check internal temperature with meat thermometer. Once they reach 165 degrees the meatballs are fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs can be served over spaghetti or used to top your favorite pizza. We love serving them as an appetizer as they keep warm in the slow cooker. Place a container of toothpick and everyone can grab a serving.

You can also make a complete meal by serving with Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Parmesan Roasted Green Beans and Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe.