Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's not only delicious but also gluten-free? Introducing the Gluten Free Slow Cooker Tangy Turkey Meatballs—a mouthwatering recipe that combines savory ground turkey with a zesty barbecue sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker! Whether you're prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tender meatballs are sure to impress. With just 20 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can have a flavorful meal waiting for you after a long day. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of gluten-free breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, gluten-free breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is combined, shape it into meatballs, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 20 meatballs with this recipe.
- Next, prepare your slow cooker. If desired, you can lightly grease the bottom with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the formed meatballs into the slow cooker in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. You can use more or less sauce depending on your preference for tanginess.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- After 4 hours, check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon, allowing excess sauce to drain off.
- Serve the tangy turkey meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own or served over rice, pasta, or in a sandwich.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Choose Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist without excess fat. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a mix of dark and light meat turkey.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Uniform Size: To ensure even cooking, shape your meatballs to be about the same size—aim for 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter.
- Use Quality Barbecue Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce you choose can greatly impact the flavor. Go for a tangy or smoky variety that complements the turkey well.
- Slow Cooker Lining: For easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner or lightly greasing the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the meatballs.
- Temperature Check: Always check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over rice, pasta, or in a sandwich, or enjoy them as a standalone appetizer at your next gathering.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
