Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
Tender lean turkey meatballs slow-simmered in rich marinara sauce. An effortless 10-minute prep dinner that pleases the whole family.
Prep
10 min
Cook
120 min
Total
130 min
Makes
3 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Tiff + Lila
Tiff created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
120 min
Total
130 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Time saver
Prep Ahead: Assemble the meatballs the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator so you can simply turn on the slow cooker in the morning.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Combine the lean ground turkey
- 01
Combine the lean ground turkey
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, egg, whole-wheat breadcrumb, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Gently mix the ingredients together with clean…
Gently mix the ingredients together with clean hands or a spoon until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Look for: just combined, taking care not to overmix
Tap card to mark done - 03
Roll the turkey mixture into equal-sized meatballs…
Roll the turkey mixture into equal-sized meatballs (about 12 meatballs total for 3 servings, or 4 per serving).
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour half of the marinara sauce into…
Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Place the meatballs in a single layer…
Place the meatballs in a single layer inside the slow cooker and top with the remaining marinara sauce.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 06
Cover with the lid and cook on…
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours) until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
Look for: the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through
Tap card to mark done - 07
Bring a pot of water to a…
While the meatballs finish cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until tender, then drain.
Look for: tender, then drain
Tap card to mark done - 08
Serve 4 meatballs with sauce over a…
Serve 4 meatballs with sauce over a serving of warm high-protein pasta (or zucchini noodles/spaghetti squash) for Mom and traditional pasta for kids.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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