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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Tender, juicy turkey meatballs braise low and slow in a rich marinara, giving you a hands-off dinner that tastes like you simmered it all day. Just 10 minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic divided
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooled onion mixture, ground turkey, fresh parsley, fresh basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  4. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20). Place them in the slow cooker.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, remaining 1 tablespoon garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and extra salt and pepper. Stir gently.
  6. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve over pasta or vegetables.

Notes

  • Don't skip sautéing the onion and garlic; it prevents a grainy texture in the meatballs.
  • Shape meatballs and freeze raw on a baking sheet; cook from frozen, adding 1-2 hours on low.
  • Swap pasta for roasted cauliflower, white beans, or polenta for a low-carb option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra body and nutrients.