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Slow Cooker Turkey and Spinach Meatballs with Teriyaki Pineapple Sauce


  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 25-30 meatballs 1x

Description

Simplify your dinner routine with these incredibly easy slow cooker turkey and spinach meatballs. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, savory teriyaki pineapple sauce that’s sure to be a family favorite. Perfect for busy evenings, this crockpot teriyaki meatballs recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Just a few simple steps in the morning or early afternoon, and you’ll come home to a delicious, aromatic meal ready to serve.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped fresh spinach, breadcrumbs, chopped yellow onion, egg, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

    2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 25-30 meatballs, depending on their size. Place them carefully on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.

    3. Arrange in the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker insert. Carefully place the formed meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you have too many to fit in one layer, you can gently layer them, but try to keep them as spread out as possible.

    4. Whisk Together the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the undrained crushed pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.

    5. Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the prepared teriyaki pineapple sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.

    6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through, and the sauce will be bubbly and flavorful.

    7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker with the meatballs. Cover and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

    8. Serve Hot: Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is thickened, they are ready to serve.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: slow cooker
    • Cuisine: asian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 4-6 servings

    Keywords: turkey meatballs, slow cooker, teriyaki, pineapple, easy dinner, weeknight meal, crockpot, spinach, ground turkey, family friendly