Turkey meatballs are a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. This Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball recipe offers a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal waiting for you after a long day.

These turkey meatballs are packed with herbs and Parmesan cheese, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful. Cooked low and slow in a rich tomato sauce, they’re an easy-to-make, versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, sub rolls, or can be enjoyed on their own. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to impress at a family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Meatballs

Turkey can sometimes be dry, but when cooked properly and combined with the right ingredients, these meatballs turn out incredibly moist. The panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and eggs help bind the meat, while the blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme infuses each bite with deep flavor.

Unlike traditional fried meatballs, these are browned briefly in a skillet and then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The slow cooking process not only keeps them moist but also ensures they soak up all the savory flavors of the sauce.

This is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to for easy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s a hands-off meal that still delivers all the warmth and comfort of a homemade Italian classic.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that bring this dish together. Each component plays a key role in making these turkey meatballs tender, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking.

Ground Turkey – I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. It has just enough fat to keep the meatballs moist without being greasy.
Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the meatballs their structure.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a light and airy texture, ensuring that the meatballs stay soft and tender.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness to the meatballs and helps brown them in the skillet, giving them a slightly crispy exterior.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan gives the meatballs a delicious, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Italian herbs.
Garlic – Minced fresh garlic brings a wonderful depth of flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Dried Oregano, Basil, and Thyme – This combination of dried herbs gives the turkey meatballs that classic Italian flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Ingredients for the Sauce

Sweet Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and a nice texture to the tomato sauce as it slowly cooks.
Crushed Tomatoes – These form the base of the sauce, creating a rich, slightly chunky consistency perfect for coating the meatballs.
Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce and adds an extra layer of concentrated tomato flavor.
Garlic – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce, pairing beautifully with the sweet tomatoes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little kick of heat. You can reduce the amount for a milder sauce.
Bay Leaves – These are added to the sauce during the slow cooking process to bring an earthy, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Optional Garnishes – Chopped basil, parsley, or freshly grated Parmesan are perfect finishing touches that add color and fresh flavor when serving.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

Making these turkey meatballs is a breeze, especially when the slow cooker does most of the work. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal that’s delicious every time.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have around 30-34 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or large plate lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Grease the bottom of a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. Add the chopped onions, followed by one can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine.
Brown the Meatballs:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the meatballs in batches, browning each side for about 1 minute. This step adds flavor and texture. Once browned, place the meatballs in the slow cooker on top of the sauce.
Add the Remaining Sauce:
Pour the second can of crushed tomatoes over the meatballs, then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and toss in the bay leaves.
Slow Cook:
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or on high for 4 hours). The slow cooker will allow the meatballs to gently simmer in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.

When you’re ready to serve, remove the bay leaves, and enjoy the meatballs with your favorite pasta, in a sub roll, or on their own, topped with fresh basil, parsley, or Parmesan!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that bring this dish together. Each component plays a key role in making these turkey meatballs tender, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking.

Ground Turkey – I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. It has just enough fat to keep the meatballs moist without being greasy.
Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the meatballs their structure.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a light and airy texture, ensuring that the meatballs stay soft and tender.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness to the meatballs and helps brown them in the skillet, giving them a slightly crispy exterior.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan gives the meatballs a delicious, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Italian herbs.
Garlic – Minced fresh garlic brings a wonderful depth of flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Dried Oregano, Basil, and Thyme – This combination of dried herbs gives the turkey meatballs that classic Italian flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Ingredients for the Sauce

Sweet Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and a nice texture to the tomato sauce as it slowly cooks.
Crushed Tomatoes – These form the base of the sauce, creating a rich, slightly chunky consistency perfect for coating the meatballs.
Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce and adds an extra layer of concentrated tomato flavor.
Garlic – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce, pairing beautifully with the sweet tomatoes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little kick of heat. You can reduce the amount for a milder sauce.
Bay Leaves – These are added to the sauce during the slow cooking process to bring an earthy, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Optional Garnishes – Chopped basil, parsley, or freshly grated Parmesan are perfect finishing touches that add color and fresh flavor when serving.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

Making these turkey meatballs is a breeze, especially when the slow cooker does most of the work. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal that’s delicious every time.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have around 30-34 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or large plate lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Grease the bottom of a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil. Add the chopped onions, followed by one can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine.
Brown the Meatballs:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the meatballs in batches, browning each side for about 1 minute. This step adds flavor and texture. Once browned, place the meatballs in the slow cooker on top of the sauce.
Add the Remaining Sauce:
Pour the second can of crushed tomatoes over the meatballs, then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and toss in the bay leaves.
Slow Cook:
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or on high for 4 hours). The slow cooker will allow the meatballs to gently simmer in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.

When you’re ready to serve, remove the bay leaves, and enjoy the meatballs with your favorite pasta, in a sub roll, or on their own, topped with fresh basil, parsley, or Parmesan!

How Long to Cook Turkey Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

Cooking turkey meatballs in a slow cooker ensures they stay juicy and flavorful, but the cooking time will depend on your slow cooker settings. The low and slow approach is ideal for tender meatballs that absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

On Low Heat: Cook the turkey meatballs for 6–7 hours. This slow cooking method allows the sauce to develop deeper flavors and keeps the meatballs incredibly moist.
On High Heat: If you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs for 4 hours on high. The result will still be delicious, although the flavors may not meld quite as much as they would with the low setting.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Browning the Meatballs: While it’s optional, browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and gives the meatballs a slightly crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step if you want an extra layer of richness.
Choosing the Right Turkey: Using 93% lean ground turkey is key. It has enough fat to keep the meatballs moist, while still being a healthier option compared to higher-fat meats like beef or pork.
Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your slow cooker is at least 4-quarts to accommodate all the meatballs and sauce comfortably. If the slow cooker is too crowded, the meatballs may not cook evenly.

Storing and Freezing Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep and store wonderfully, making them a great option for leftovers or freezing for later use.

Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing Meatballs: These meatballs can be frozen either before or after cooking. To freeze them before cooking, roll the raw meatballs and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, simply add them directly to the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Freezing Cooked Meatballs: Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them along with the sauce for easy reheating. These will also last for 3 months in the freezer.

Cooking Tips

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the turkey meatball ingredients, handle the meat mixture gently. Overmixing can result in tough, dense meatballs. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: While the dried herbs in the meatballs provide fantastic flavor, adding fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving brightens up the dish and adds a burst of freshness.
Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit in the slow cooker, covered, for about 10 minutes after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each meatball stays moist when served.

Enjoy your tender, flavorful turkey meatballs with your favorite sides or over a bowl of pasta!