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eatballs + More High Protein Slow Cooker Recipe

eatballs + More High Protein Slow Cooker Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

These high protein slow cooker turkey meatballs are a flavorful and healthy meal, perfect for busy days. Using lean dark meat ground turkey mixed with greens and spices, then slow-cooked in marinara sauce, they come out tender and juicy, ideal for serving over pasta, spaghetti squash, or alongside crusty bread. This recipe is simple to prepare and makes for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 small yellow onion (grated, about ¼ cup)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (loosely packed, chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (or freshly grated parmesan cheese)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lb 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 (15-oz) jar marinara sauce

To Serve

  • 1 pound cooked spaghetti
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese (traditional or dairy-free, optional)
  • Crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Grate the Onion: Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the small yellow onion over a large bowl until you get about ¼ cup of grated onion.
  2. Chop Greens: Finely chop the baby spinach and basil leaves into very small pieces. Alternatively, pulse the grated onion, basil, and spinach together in a food processor just until finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Add the nutritional yeast, granulated garlic powder, and kosher salt to the bowl with the grated onion and chopped greens. Stir to combine well. Then add the ground turkey and mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Prepare Slow Cooker: Drizzle the olive oil into the base of a 6-quart slow cooker and spread evenly to coat the bottom.
  5. Form Meatballs: Using a small 1.6-inch cookie scoop or a large soup spoon, scoop the turkey mixture into a single layer in the slow cooker base. Add any remaining mixture on top to create a second layer. Avoid rolling meatballs by hand to prevent mess as the mixture is sticky.
  6. Add Sauce: Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker; do not stir to keep the layers intact.
  7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Once cooked, uncover and gently stir to separate the meatballs from each other.
  8. Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs over cooked spaghetti, pasta alternatives like spaghetti squash, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Notes

  • Using dark meat ground turkey keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.
  • If you don’t have nutritional yeast, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a great substitute.
  • Avoid rolling the meatballs by hand; use a scoop or spoon for easier and cleaner preparation.
  • You can make these meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash to make this meal gluten-free.
  • Adjust seasoning and spice level to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey meatballs, high protein meatballs, easy turkey meatballs, slow cooker recipes, healthy dinner, lean turkey recipes, one pot meal

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/eatballs-more-high-protein-slow-cooker-recipe/