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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring juicy, lean turkey meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, delivering wholesome and satisfying comfort food that the whole family will love.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably ground turkey breast)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or substitute with oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, using your hands or a small scoop. Place them on a lightly greased tray or plate to prevent sticking.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent to unlock deeper flavors before adding to the slow cooker.
  4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Pour canned crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker, then add the sautéed onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the sauce base.
  5. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Carefully nestle the turkey meatballs into the tomato sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
  6. Finish with Fresh Basil: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in freshly chopped basil leaves to add a bright, fresh burst of flavor that elevates the sauce.

Notes

  • Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic; it adds depth that raw ingredients cannot achieve.
  • Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Use lean ground turkey breast to prevent a greasy sauce.
  • Season well with salt and Italian herbs for best flavor.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity if desired.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American/Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, turkey meatballs, tomato sauce, healthy dinner, easy recipe, gluten free option, family-friendly