Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients
- 20 oz 1.3 lb ground turkey breast 93% lean
- 1/4 cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Reggiano Parmigiano cheese
grated
- 1/4 cup parsley
finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 large clove garlic
minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
smashed
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
I like Tuttorosso
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil or parsley
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic and cheese.
- 2
Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients and form small meatballs, about 1/8th cup each.
- 3
In a small saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn.
- 4
Pour crushed tomatoes into the crock pot with bay leaf. Add garlic and oil.
- 5
Drop meatballs into the sauce, cover and set crock pot to low, 4 to 6 hours.
- 6
When meatballs are ready, adjust salt and pepper to taste and add fresh chopped basil or parsley.
- 7
Serve with ricotta, over pasta or enjoy with French bread.
Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Tired of complicated recipes that leave your kitchen a mess? Our Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs bring tender, flavorful homemade meatballs to your table with minimal effort, all thanks to your slow cooker.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by leveraging the slow cooker to create incredibly moist and tender Italian turkey meatballs without any messy frying or baking. The low and slow cooking process allows the lean ground turkey to absorb the rich flavors of the crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a depth of taste you'll adore. It’s a truly hands-off approach to a classic comfort food that prioritizes convenience without sacrificing quality.
What makes these Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs so special is the perfect balance of savory ground turkey breast, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a generous amount of fresh Reggiano Parmigiano cheese and parsley. Simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with smashed garlic and bay leaf, each meatball becomes a burst of classic Italian flavor. You can expect a wonderfully tender texture that practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a rich, herby tomato sauce that's perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt these meatballs to your pantry or preferences. For different breadcrumbs, use regular seasoned breadcrumbs or even panko for a slightly crispier texture in the meatball mixture. If you don't have Reggiano Parmigiano, Pecorino Romano makes a wonderful, saltier substitute. Enhance the herb profile with a pinch of dried oregano or an extra sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving.
These Crock Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs are perfect served over your favorite pasta, nestled in a toasted hoagie roll for a hearty meatball sub, or alongside a simple green salad for a lighter option. They are fantastic for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering, offering comforting flavors that everyone will appreciate.