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If you are a fan of meatballs, then you are going to love these made from scratch, Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs. Delicious and easy to make recipe.
![Turkey Meatballs with sauce on a spoon serving from the slow cooker](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-10.jpg)
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.
Table of Contents
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
![Ingredients - ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, marinara sauce, fresh basil](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-1.jpg)
- 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
![Combining the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs and spices in a bowl](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-2.jpg)
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.
![Marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-3.jpg)
Step 2 – Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
![Topping the marinara sauce with uncooked meatballs in the slow cooker](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-4.jpg)
Step 3 – Place the turkey meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
![Topping meatballs in the slow cooker with marinara sauce](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-5.jpg)
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.
![Spaghetti noodles on a plate with fresh basil topped with meatballs and sauce with shredded parmesan cheese](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-15.jpg)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to brown the meatballs before placing in the slow cooker. The meatballs will fully cook in the slow cooker in about 4 hours.
Yes, this meatball recipe can be baked in the oven by using a casserole dish. Prepare the meatballs as indicated and pour the sauce first in a casserole dish. Top with meatballs and more sauce and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Confirm that the meatballs are fully cooked by using a meat thermometer.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They will last about 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1 minute intervals.
Yes, you can freeze meatballs uncooked or cooked in the sauce. Place in a freezer safe container and the meatballs will last about 3 months.
To save time, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead of time and place on a baking sheet. Store in the fridge and then when ready to cook, place in the crock pot with the sauce.
![Meatball cut in half on a fork with spaghetti and sauce](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-17.jpg)
More Easy Meatball Recipes
Easy Appetizer
Crock pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs
We love to hear from you. If you make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Recipe, please come back and let us know how they turned out by leaving a comment.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/200KB-Slow-Cooker-Turkey-Meatballs-9.jpg)
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- 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. You should have around 20-24 meatballs.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Place the turkey meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- 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.
- Gently stir the meatballs to coat them evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Amazing flavor and Easy to make!