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Crockpot Turkey Meatball and Marinara, high protein slow cooker meals
Brittany Stage

Crockpot Turkey Meatball and Marinara

Turkey meatballs simmered all day in a seasoned marinara come out tender, deeply flavored, and ready to serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or whatever you have on hand. This one works for a quiet weeknight or a casual dinner for a group.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb ground turkey 93 percent lean
  • 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated, plus more for serving
  • 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt full-fat, keeps meatballs moist
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce your favorite brand
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 6 leaves fresh basil torn, for finishing
  • 12 oz spaghetti or zucchini noodles cooked, for serving

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Parmesan, Greek yogurt, parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands or a fork just until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs will turn dense. The mixture will be soft and slightly sticky, which is normal for turkey.
  2. Scoop and roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches across. You should get roughly 20 to 24 meatballs. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet as you go. Wetting your hands lightly between rolls keeps the meat from sticking to your palms.
  3. Pour about half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it in an even layer. Arrange the raw meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer, or as close to one as your cooker allows. Pour the remaining marinara over and around the meatballs. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top.
  4. Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. The meatballs will cook through completely and the sauce will reduce and concentrate around them. At the 6-hour mark, gently press one meatball with a spoon. It should feel firm all the way through with no soft, raw-looking center.
  5. Turn off the heat and scatter the torn fresh basil over the top. Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or zucchini noodles and finish each bowl with extra Parmesan.

Notes

The Greek yogurt in the meatball mixture is the key to keeping lean turkey from turning dry and dense. Do not skip it. If you prefer to use store-bought frozen meatballs, add them directly from frozen and cook on LOW for 6 hours. No other adjustments are needed.