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Turkey and Spinach Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
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Crock-Pot Turkey & Spinach Meatballs in Marinara

A deceptively healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs; savory, comforting, and packed with veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 7 Servings
Author Marsha Maxwell

Equipment

  • Sweese 501.001 Porcelain Souffle Dishes, Ramekins - 8 Ounce for Souffle, Creme Brulee and Ice Cream - Set of 6, White
  • Pyrex Measuring Cup 4-piece Set, Clear, 15 x 12 x 5.375
  • Cuisinart CSB-300 Rechargeable Hand Blender with Electric Knife, One Size, DAA
  • Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set - Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, Prepping

Ingredients

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 ½ lb 93% lean ground turkey
  • 2 cups frozen spinach leaf
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup parsley finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • ½ small onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Garnish:
  • shredded Parmesan if desired
  • fresh basil if desired

Instructions

  • 1. Combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar a slow cooker. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

  • 2. Defrost spinach in microwave (mine takes 4-5 minutes on a very low setting, but times will vary) and squeeze dry of excess water.

  • 3. Combine turkey, spinach, bread crumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, egg, smoked paprika, and parsley in a large bowl, and mix with your hands until combined. Use a 1/8 measuring cup to measure out portions of the turkey mixture and roll into balls.

  • 4. Carefully place each of the meatballs in the sauce. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

  • 5. If possible, gently stir mixture every few hours. If not, stir the mixture after its finished cooking and serve immediately.

Notes

Total Cost: $9.26 Cost Per Serving $1.33