Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound ground turkey (minced)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 24 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, onion, red bell pepper, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
4. Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Dish Characteristics:

• Tender and flavorful turkey meatballs
• Rich and tangy tomato sauce
• Easy to prepare in a slow cooker
• Italian-inspired dish with an American twist

User Comments:

• "These turkey meatballs are so juicy and delicious. The tomato sauce is perfect."
• "I love how easy this recipe is. I put it in the slow cooker in the morning and it's ready when I get home from work."
• "This dish is a crowd-pleaser. I served it at a party and it was a hit."
• "The turkey meatballs are a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving."
• "I added some cooked pasta to the sauce to make a complete meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker to develop flavor.
• Use any type of vegetables you like in the meatballs, such as carrots or zucchini.
• If you don't have diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve the meatballs with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.