Oh boy! Are you ready to dive into a recipe that’s not only a cinch to whip up but also a total crowd-pleaser? Let me introduce you to my beloved Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce! Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but think of cozy family dinners and the aroma wafting through my home, drawing everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame. It’s becoming a staple at gatherings, and the best part? It gives me a little more time to mingle while it cooks away in the background! Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.
What makes these meatballs special? They’re healthy, juicy, and flavorful, and nothing beats the ease of throwing everything in the crockpot! You can enjoy them on a lazy Sunday or impress guests at a dinner party. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
What’s in Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce?
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is the star of the show! It’s packed with protein and lower in fat compared to traditional beef. I love using ground turkey because it absorbs flavors beautifully without being too heavy.
Breadcrumbs: These little gems help to bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture. You can use regular or whole wheat, depending on your preference—both work just fine.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Ah, cheese—because everything is better with cheese! It adds a savory, nutty flavor that’s downright addictive.
Fresh Parsley: This herb adds a fresh note to the meatballs and a pop of color. Plus, it always impresses guests when they see vibrant green garnishes on their plate!
Egg: The glue that holds everything together! It’s kind of like the magic elixir that helps to create moist meatballs.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better, without a doubt! It infuses a lovely aroma and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning: A delightful blend of herbs that brings a touch of authenticity to our dish. Dried seasoning is super convenient and so flavorful!
Marinara Sauce: The delightful bath for our meatballs! You can go with store-bought or make your own—it’s all good! I sometimes sneak in extra veggies into my homemade marinara for a secret health boost.
Spaghetti: A classic accompaniment! You can swap it out for any pasta you love, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) if you’re feeling healthy!
Is Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce Good for You?
You bet! These meatballs are not only delicious but also healthier than many alternatives. With the use of **ground turkey**, you’re cutting back on fat while still enjoying a protein punch! Plus, adding herbs like **parsley** provides essential vitamins and minerals.
While the **breadcrumbs** do contribute carbs, you can control the portion, and I love the added texture they provide. The **marinara sauce** offers a rich source of vitamins thanks to the tomatoes! Just be mindful of the sodium content in store-bought sauces. A quick read of the label can help you find friendly options.
Of course, everything is best in moderation. If you’re watching carbs or gluten, consider serving the meatballs over sautéed veggies or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 large egg
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 24 oz marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
– 8 oz spaghetti
– Extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish
*Serves: 4-6 people*
How to Make Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce?
1. In a large bowl, combine the **ground turkey**, **breadcrumbs**, **Parmesan cheese**, **parsley**, **egg**, **minced garlic**, **Italian seasoning**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix until everything is well-combined. Get your hands in there; it’s the best way to feel the consistency!
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter—think of the size of a golf ball!
3. Place those beauties in the bottom of your crockpot. Look at them, all snug and cozy!
4. Pour the **marinara sauce** over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well covered. They love a good soak!
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are cooked through (check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F). The house will smell heavenly around the 4-hour mark—just saying!
6. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the **spaghetti** according to package instructions. Drain, and set aside, or do a little victory dance while you wait!
7. To serve, plate some **spaghetti**, top it off with several meatballs and sauce, and garnish with extra **parsley** and **Parmesan cheese**. Now, it’s time to dig in!
8. Enjoy your delicious crockpot turkey meatballs in marinara sauce while basking in compliments from your friends and family!
Perfect Pairings and Fun Variations
Feeling a little adventurous? Try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce for a rich flavor! You could also toss in some sautéed bell peppers and onions for a little crunch and sweetness. Another stellar serving suggestion is to use the meatballs in subs topped with melted mozzarella!
If you’re making this for the kiddos, feel free to leave out the herbs if they’re picky eaters (I promise they are still going to scarf them down). And if I’m feeling super fancy, here’s a little secret: making meatball sliders with mini buns and serving with marinara for dipping is a hit during game nights!
I hope you give these Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce a whirl! It’s such a comforting dish, perfect for busy weeknights or an easy meal prep option. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!
