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Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

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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.

Top view of Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti in two white bowls with fresh parsley.

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There are days when easy meals are a requirement! It could be a holiday, a busy weekend, or a gathering where you’re making several dishes at once.

That’s when I love to break out the slow cooker. And when the meat can be made entirely, in the slow cooker, it’s even better!

These turkey meatballs, simmered in an easy marinara sauce with spaghetti… are a dish I believe you’ll love for those kind of days… or when you want to kick up your feet and have dinner almost made for you!

So get ready… here’s what you need to know about this favorite all-in-one spaghetti and meatballs recipe!

Side view closeup of a bowl of Crockpot Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti with a fork, chopped green onions and parsley.

Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

You will find the ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s what you need to make these oh-so-yummy slow cooker meatballs!

For the Turkey Meatballs:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • Yellow onion, chopped finely.
  • Fresh parsley, also chopped finely.
  • Garlic cloves, either minced or pressed
  • Breadcrumbs: Traditional dried breadcrumbs, panko, or rolled oats can be used. I’m using panko in this recipe.
  • Large egg for binding
  • Seasoning: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil and dried oregano

For the Marinara Sauce

This simple sauce comes together quickly! However in a pinch, you can substitute two jars of a ready-made marinara sauce. Here’s what you need:

  • Diced tomatoes: Italian diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, or plain diced tomatoes.
  • Tomato paste for thickening and flavor
  • Chicken broth

In addition, you will need dry spaghetti and Parmesan cheese for serving. I also like to garnish with more fresh parsley and chopped green onions for texture.

Can you use ground beef?

Yes, or any other ground meat you prefer. Since these slow cooker meatballs are cooking in a marinara sauce, it’s important that the meat is lean to avoid excess grease. Lean ground chicken or ground beef is a delicious substitution.

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.

Step 1: Make the turkey meatballs

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

Then, coat your hands with oil (or use food prep gloves) and roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls. I will often get about 24 to 25. Place the meatballs in the bowl of your crockpot.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Do you brown the meatballs before adding them to the Crockpot?

Because we are making this dish exceptionally easy, I am not browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. While browned meatballs are delicious, it becomes an unnecessary step when cooking meatballs in sauce in a Crockpot.

Top view of Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti in a casserole dish for serving.

How to Store Leftover Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

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.

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Side view of Crockpot Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti in a white pasta bowl with sauce and fresh chopped green onions and parsley.

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.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

Ingredients 

Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs panko or rolled oats
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Marinara Sauce

  • 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (plain, Italian, or fire-roasted)
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 pound dry spaghetti

Instructions

  • Add the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to a bowl. Mix to combine. Coat your hands with oil, and roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls (will make 15-16 meatballs). Place the meatballs in the bowl of your crockpot.
    Top horizontal view of crockpot turkey meatballs ingredients in a glass bowl.
  • Pour in the tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and broth. Season with salt and pepper and gently stir together. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours.
    Horizontal top view of uncooked turkey meatballs in a black slow cooker insert.
  • Remove the lid and turn the slow cooker to high (if it isn't already there). Add the spaghetti and stir in 1 cup of water. Nestle the spaghetti into the sauce, cover, and cook 20-30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the spaghetti.
  • Serve the turkey meatballs over the spaghetti and sauce. Top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.

Notes

Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325° F.
  2. Add the ground turkey, onion, parsley, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil and oregano to a bowl. Mix to combine. Coat your hands with oil, and roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls. 
  3. Arrange the meatballs in a large Dutch oven with a lid. Pour the tomatoes over the top, add the tomato paste and broth, then season with salt and pepper. Stir gently together. Cover and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until slightly thickened.
  4. Just before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.

Marinara Sauce

You can substitute two jars of a prepared, store-bought marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 1004mg | Potassium: 775mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 513IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs, Crockpot Turkey Meatballs
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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