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5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

With 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it with these Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce! Such a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6
Author: Amy Rains

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 lb turkey sausage ground or in casing
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 28 oz San Marzano crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sea salt + more to taste

Instructions

  • Heat your oven to broil.
  • In a large bowl, mix together both ground turkey and sausage until well blended.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix together basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and almond meal. Add mixture to the meat.
  • With your hands, mix together the spices and meat until well incorporated. Add in beaten egg and continue to mix well.
  • Form meat mixture into large meatballs (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter).
  • Place meatballs on a large cookie sheet. Broil for just 2-3 minutes, enough to allow the meatballs to stay together when thrown in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot.

For the Slow Cooker:

  • Add meatballs to slow cooker.
  • Top meatballs with tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, and vinegar.
  • Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
  • Serve plain with fresh basil, or with spaghetti squash.

For the Instant Pot

  • Select the Saute function on your Instant Pot.
  • Add 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil. Toss in chopped onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Select cancel. Pour in 1/2 cup water, and be sure to scrape up any browned bits to avoid the burn signal.
  • Now add in tomato sauce, vinegar, and salt. Then add meatballs.
  • Secure the lid. Select the manual function an cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  • Use a natural release.
  • Serve with fresh basil, and plain. Or serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.