Thanks to the crock pot these healthy saucy turkey meatballs are easy to throw together. I pretty much inhaled this meal, it’s probably one of my favorite things I’ve made in a long time. Everything was flavorful and delicious while still being very healthy. If you’ve never made meatballs and you’re feeling a little intimidated, just try it out! It’s easier than you think and homemade meatballs are so much better than the frozen ones.  (I love when I’m writing about past meals and I start salivating…I’m totally drooling over here thinking about this meal!)

 

Crock Pot Italian meatballs

For meatballs:

20 oz ground turkey breast 93% lean
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon sea salt
fresh pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

 

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, basil, garlic, and cheese. Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients and form small meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each. Be gentle while forming the meatballs, if you pack too tightly it can make them tough.

Add all the ingredients for the sauce to the crockpot and then drop the meatballs into the sauce.

Cover and cook for 4-6 hours on low.

Serve with pasta or a delicious crusty bread to mop up the sauce. I love to serve this over spaghetti squash. If you don’t have a lot of time check out how to make spaghetti sauce in the microwave.