Experience the ultimate in weeknight convenience and flavor with these incredible Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs. A family-friendly dinner that promises tender, juicy meatballs and rich, savory sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
Easy Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite Slow Cooker Recipe
Searching for a delectable yet incredibly simple meal to satisfy the whole family? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs – a recipe designed to make your busy weeknights smoother and more delicious. While we can’t magically bake the sub buns in the slow cooker (you’ll grab those fresh from the store!), the heart of this dish, the tender turkey meatballs and their rich marinara sauce, come to life with minimal effort in your trusty crock pot. The magic of slow cooking ensures these homemade turkey meatballs remain incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce without ever drying out. We then give them a quick finish in the oven, just long enough to warm the buns and melt a generous layer of cheese into gooey perfection.
This recipe is a testament to the power of hands-off cooking. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of Italian-inspired meatballs, simmering to perfection, ready to be assembled into hearty, satisfying subs. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a strategic move to reclaim your evenings, allowing more time for family and less time chained to the stove. Plus, by opting for lean ground turkey, we’re making a healthier choice without compromising on taste, making these subs a guilt-free pleasure everyone can enjoy. Perfect for game nights, casual family dinners, or even a comforting weekend lunch, these subs are incredibly versatile and always a hit.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs?
The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing dishes like meatballs. Here’s why it’s the superior method for this recipe, offering a blend of convenience, flavor, and texture that other cooking methods often can’t match:
- Unbeatable Tenderness: Cooking low and slow allows the turkey meatballs to gently simmer in the marinara sauce for hours. This extended, gentle heat infuses them with flavor and keeps them incredibly moist and tender. Unlike high-heat cooking methods such as pan-frying or baking that can sometimes dry out lean ground turkey, the slow cooker creates a humid environment that locks in moisture, resulting in meatballs that practically melt in your mouth.
- Effortless Preparation: After a quick mix of ingredients and forming the meatballs, they go into the crock pot with the sauce, and that’s essentially the extent of your active cooking time! You can set it and forget it, going about your day while your dinner practically cooks itself. Minimal stirring is needed, freeing up your time for other activities or simply relaxing.
- Deep Flavor Development: The hours of simmering provide ample time for the spices in the meatballs and the rich flavors of the marinara sauce to meld beautifully. This slow infusion process results in a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. Each meatball becomes a little flavor bomb, perfectly coated in a delicious, well-developed sauce that’s rich and satisfying.
- Healthier Option: By utilizing lean ground turkey, these meatballs offer a lighter, often healthier alternative to traditional ground beef or pork meatballs. This smart swap doesn’t compromise on that satisfying, hearty texture or flavor, making it a guilt-free pleasure that fits into a balanced diet. You get all the comfort food goodness with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: The nature of slow cooking means the meatballs and sauce can be easily made ahead of time. Once cooked and cooled, they can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, then quickly assembled into subs when you’re ready to eat. This makes it an incredibly efficient solution for busy individuals or families looking to streamline their weekly meal planning and reduce stress during hectic evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs
To help you prepare these delicious subs with confidence, here are answers to some common questions:
Absolutely, it is perfectly safe! Slow cookers are specifically designed to cook raw meat thoroughly and safely. The primary safety concern is ensuring the internal temperature of the meat reaches a food-safe level to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria. For ground turkey, this critical temperature is 165°F (74°C). When cooking on a “high” setting for the recommended time, your slow cooker will reach and maintain a sufficiently high temperature to cook the meat all the way through. For absolute certainty, always use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the largest meatball before serving. This step provides complete peace of mind.
Yes, you certainly can substitute other ground meats, and they will still make delicious subs! However, there’s a small but important consideration: fat content. If you choose ground beef, pork, or sausage, we highly recommend selecting a very lean option. Meats with higher fat content will release a significant amount of grease as they cook in the slow cooker, which can make your marinara sauce oily and less appealing. If you do opt for a fattier meat, you might consider browning the meatballs in a skillet first to render some of the excess fat, then draining it thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce. For ground beef, an 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio is usually a good choice, or even leaner if available. Italian sausage (mild or hot) can add a wonderful depth of flavor, but again, opt for a leaner variety if possible to maintain a balanced sauce consistency.
The quality of your sauce can truly elevate this dish and make a noticeable difference! While personal preferences vary, I’ve consistently found that Rao’s Homemade Roasted Garlic marinara sauce delivers a rich, authentic homemade flavor that’s incredibly hard to beat. It’s typically easy to find in most major grocery stores and worth the slightly higher price point. Another excellent choice that is widely available and offers a great balance of flavor is Prego Roasted Garlic and Herb. When selecting a jarred sauce, look for brands with high-quality, natural ingredients, minimal added sugar, and a robust tomato flavor. Don’t be afraid to try different brands to find your family’s personal favorite, or even use your own cherished homemade marinara if you have a go-to recipe – that will always be the best option!
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this versatile meal again. Once the meatballs and sauce have cooled completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can easily freeze them! Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. To defrost, simply transfer the frozen container or bag to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat refrigerated or defrosted meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for advanced meal preparation. You have a couple of options: you can mix and form the meatballs a day in advance, storing them uncooked in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, on the day of cooking, simply add them to the crock pot with the sauce and proceed with the recipe as usual. Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs and sauce entirely, then cool and store them as described above for leftovers. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the pre-cooked meatballs and sauce, warm your sub rolls, and assemble your delicious subs. This flexibility makes it a go-to for busy weeknight schedules.
Meatball subs are quite filling and satisfying on their own, but a simple side can truly complete the meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the subs. For those who love extra bread, a side of crispy garlic bread can be a delicious addition, perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. For something heartier, a side of crispy oven-baked potato fries or sweet potato fries pairs wonderfully. A warm cup of classic tomato soup or a minestrone can also make for a cozy, comforting meal, especially on a chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Delicious Turkey Meatball Subs
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to creating these mouthwatering subs. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with a few notes on why each component is important for the best results:
- 1 Pound Lean Ground Turkey: This is the foundation of our meatballs. Opting for 99% lean ground turkey helps keep them lighter and ensures your marinara sauce won’t become excessively greasy.
- 1 Cup Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These are crucial for providing structure to the meatballs, helping them bind together firmly, and adding a foundational savory Italian flavor profile.
- 2 Large Eggs: Eggs act as an essential binder, holding the meatball mixture together so they maintain their shape and don’t crumble apart during the slow cooking process.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that infuses the meatballs with their signature aromatic and herbaceous flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt: An indispensable ingredient that enhances and balances all the other flavors within the meatballs, bringing out their savory notes.
- 3 Cups Marinara or Pasta Sauce: This will be the flavorful base for simmering your meatballs. Choose your favorite high-quality jarred sauce or, if you have a beloved recipe, homemade marinara works wonderfully.
- 12 Sub Rolls: The perfect vehicle for your saucy, cheesy meatballs! Hoagie rolls, grinder rolls, or even a crusty French bread baguette sliced into portions work perfectly. Select rolls that are fresh and soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey, savory layer over your meatballs. While pre-shredded works for convenience, freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly. Feel free to use more if you’re a true cheese lover!
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (Optional): An optional but highly recommended garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a vibrant pop of color, enhancing both the taste and presentation of your subs.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs
Creating these scrumptious subs is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these easy steps to bring this family-favorite meal effortlessly to your table:
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, and salt. The most effective way to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated is to mix them together well with clean hands. Be careful not to overmix, as excessive handling can lead to denser, tougher meatballs; stop once everything is just combined.
Form the Meatballs: Using a medium cookie scoop (roughly 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size) is highly recommended. This tool helps ensure your meatballs are consistently sized, which is key for even cooking and a uniform final product. Gently roll the scooped mixture into neat, uniform meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet as you go, preparing them for the slow cooker.
Layer Sauce and Meatballs in Crock Pot: Begin by pouring approximately one cup of your chosen marinara or pasta sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread it evenly across the base to create a flavorful foundation. Carefully arrange the formed meatballs on top of this sauce layer. It’s perfectly fine if some meatballs need to be stacked; they will settle and cook down nicely in the sauce.
Add Remaining Sauce: Once all the meatballs are in place, pour the rest of the marinara sauce evenly over them. Ensure that the meatballs are well-covered by the sauce. This allows them to slowly simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinara, becoming incredibly tender and juicy.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on the “high” setting for 2 hours. During this time, the meatballs will gently cook, absorbing the rich flavors. Be sure to give the meatballs a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even coating and cooking, making them incredibly tender and flavorful throughout.
Prepare the Subs: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your broiler. Line a sturdy sheet pan with your split sub rolls. Using a slotted spoon to drain excess sauce (unless you prefer it extra saucy), carefully fill each roll with approximately three delicious meatballs and a generous amount of the rich marinara sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub roll. For optimal melting and a warm bun, transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the rolls are warmed through and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. If you desire a slightly browned and crispier cheese, you can briefly use the broiler, but watch very carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot, cheesy subs from the oven. For a final touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley (if using) just before serving immediately. Enjoy your irresistible, homemade Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs!
Expert Tips for the Best Turkey Meatball Subs
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful meatball subs is easy with a few simple tricks:
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can compact the meat, leading to dense, tough meatballs rather than light and tender ones.
- Ensure Consistent Sizing: Using a cookie scoop or a measuring spoon helps create uniform meatballs. This is crucial for ensuring all your meatballs cook evenly, reaching that perfect tender texture at the same time.
- Always Check Internal Temperature: While slow cooking is a safe method, for absolute peace of mind and food safety, always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Before adding your marinara sauce to the crock pot, taste it. If it seems a little bland, you can always enhance its flavor with extra Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or a little sugar to balance any acidity in the tomatoes.
- Consider Toasting the Buns: For an even better sub experience, you can lightly toast the empty sub rolls in the oven or under the broiler for a minute or two before adding the meatballs and cheese. This creates a slightly crisp exterior that holds up wonderfully to the saucy filling and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: While it’s fine for meatballs to be stacked, try not to pack the slow cooker too tightly. Allowing a little space helps the heat circulate more efficiently and ensures even cooking of all the meatballs.
Delicious Variations and Customizations
This Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Sub recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of room for you to experiment and tailor it to your family’s tastes. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely your own:
- Elevate Your Cheese Game! While mozzarella is a classic and beloved choice for its meltiness, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses. Provolone offers a slightly sharper, meltier quality, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a salty, nutty depth. A blend of all three, or even adding a touch of smoked gouda, can be absolutely divine!
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, incorporating a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes directly into your meatball mixture or stirring them into the marinara sauce will add a delightful kick.
- Boost with Veggies: To sneak in extra nutrients, stir some finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even grated zucchini into your meatball mixture. These not only add flavor but also moisture. You can also bulk up the marinara sauce by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or finely chopped carrots to the slow cooker.
- Beyond Italian Seasoning: While Italian seasoning is fundamental, consider adding other spices to the meatballs for a unique flavor twist, such as a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a hint of smoked paprika for an earthy undertone.
- The Homemade Touch: If you have the time and inclination, making your own marinara sauce from scratch can truly elevate this dish to gourmet status. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano picked from your garden can also make a significant difference.
- Make it a Casserole: Instead of individual subs, layer the meatballs and sauce in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting meatball casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Want More Delicious Slow Cooker & Meatball Recipes?
If you loved the ease, convenience, and incredible flavor of these Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs, you’re in luck! The slow cooker is a treasure trove for incredible, hands-off meals that are perfect for busy lifestyles. Here are some more of our favorite recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen, offering comfort, taste, and simplicity:
- Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Crock Pot Party Meatballs
- Homemade Turkey Meatballs
- Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
- Meatball Parmesan Skillet
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs
Print
Pin
Rate
20 minutes
2 hours 5 minutes
2 hours 25 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound 99% lean ground turkey
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 12 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use more if you prefer)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well with clean hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1-1/2 tablespoons), form equal-sized meatballs and set them aside.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara or pasta sauce into the bottom of the crock pot and spread evenly. Lay the formed meatballs on top of the sauce. It’s okay if they are stacked.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring gently halfway through the cooking process.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your broiler. Line a sheet pan with the split sub rolls and fill each with approximately 3 meatballs and some sauce.
- Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 minutes in the oven (at 350°F) or broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully if broiling to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is easily halved for smaller servings; simply adjust the quantity of ingredients by half. Cooking time may also need slight adjustment, so keep an eye on it. This is also a fantastic recipe to freeze for later!
- If you prefer larger, more substantial subs, you can easily find larger sub rolls and form your meatballs to a more generous size accordingly.
- If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, excellent substitutions include provolone cheese (for a classic deli taste), grated Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses.
Main Course, Sandwiches
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 43g |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 6g |
Sodium: 1030mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 8g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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In conclusion, these Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Subs offer an unmatched combination of flavor, convenience, and health benefits, making them a perfect addition to any family’s recipe rotation. From the tender, slow-cooked turkey meatballs infused with rich marinara to the gooey, melted cheese on a warm sub roll, every bite is a testament to the magic of simple, well-executed comfort food. Don’t let busy evenings deter you from enjoying a hearty, homemade meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant hit and a cherished favorite in your home for years to come!