Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti: Delicious, easy slow cooker meatballs made with ground turkey, onion, garlic, and Italian herbs. This one-pot meal features juicy, tender, flavor-packed meatballs in a simple marinara sauce. And when the spaghetti is cooked in the slow cooker, there is no need for a second pot.

If you love crockpot meals, try this pineapple pork tenderloin with 3 ingredients, or this crockpot chicken thighs recipe.

Recipe Overview

This Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti is a true weeknight win: tender, homemade meatballs simmer slowly in a rich tomato sauce, and the spaghetti cooks right in the same pot-no extra boiling required. With minimal prep and a hands-off cook time, it's a cozy, family-friendly dinner that's as comforting as it is convenient.

• Hands-off slow cooker meal with very little prep
• One-pot pasta - spaghetti cooks right in the sauce
• Lean, flavorful turkey meatballs made with pantry staples
• Flexible recipe with oven, skillet, or air fryer options
• Great leftovers and ideal for busy weeknights

Ingredients

You'll find full measurements in the recipe card below, but here's a quick look at the ingredients you'll need to make these cozy, slow-cooked turkey meatballs.

For the Turkey Meatballs

• Ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps the meatballs tender without adding excess grease.
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped for moisture and savory flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the meatballs and adds fresh herbiness.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for depth and classic Italian flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Use dried breadcrumbs, panko, or even rolled oats. Panko keeps the texture light.
• Egg: Binds the meatballs so they hold together as they cook.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano - simple spices that give the meatballs a classic Italian profile.

For the Marinara Sauce

This easy, homemade sauce, much like our world’s best pasta sauce, comes together quickly, but you can also use two jars of your favorite store-bought marinara if you're short on time.

• Diced tomatoes: Use Italian-style, fire-roasted, or plain diced tomatoes depending on what you have on hand.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency as everything simmers in the slow cooker.

To Finish

You'll also need dry spaghetti to cook directly in the slow cooker, plus Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for serving.

How to Make Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

These easy turkey meatballs are quick and easy to make in three steps. The whole dish comes together quickly before letting the Crockpot do its magic! Here’s how to make this delicious dish.

1. Making the Meatballs

1. Step 1: Add the onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to a bowl.

2. Step 2: Mix to combine with a fork, and then add the ground turkey and mix. I find it easiest to use my hands (much like meatloaf) until combined.

3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey and mix until combined. For tender turkey meatballs, avoid overmixing.

4. Step 4: Coat your hands with oil (or use food prep gloves) and gently roll into tablespoon-size balls. For tender meatballs, you don’t want to overpack them. I will often get about 24 to 25. Place the meatballs in the bowl of your crockpot.

2. Add the marinara sauce & slow cook

Pour in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Season with salt and pepper and gently stir together, not disrupting the turkey meatballs below. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours.

3: Add the spaghetti to the Crockpot

Remove the lid and turn the slow cooker to high (if it isn’t already there). Add the dry spaghetti directly into the slow cooker and pour 1 cup of water over the top. Nestle the noodles into the sauce, cover, and cook 20-30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente, stirring halfway through.

Serve the turkey meatballs over the spaghetti and sauce. Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

How to Make These Meatballs Without a Slow Cooker

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can still make these tender turkey meatballs using the oven, stovetop, or air fryer. Simply cook the pasta separately and toss everything together with your favorite marinara before serving.

Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top; coat the rack with nonstick spray.
3. Form the meatballs and place them on the prepared rack.
4. Brush lightly with oil and bake 15-20 minutes, or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Warm the marinara in a saucepan and add the cooked meatballs before serving over pasta.

Stovetop (Frying) Method

1. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides.
3. Cook 5-7 minutes per batch, or until the meatballs reach 165°F internally.
4. Simmer briefly in marinara before serving with cooked spaghetti.

Air Fryer Method

1. Toss with warm marinara and serve over cooked pasta.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each.
4. Cook 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through to 165°F.

Storing Leftovers

This pasta dish makes delicious leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or add to a skillet on the stovetop; bring to a simmer on medium-low to medium heat until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

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