Crockpot Turkey Meatballs in Italian Sauce

These turkey meatballs are a great alternative to beef, especially if you are trying to make meals that are lower in fat. I think the key ingredient in this recipe is the parmesan cheese. It adds such a nice flavor to the turkey meatballs without adding alot of fat.
Since this meatball recipe is for your crockpot, it is great on those crazy nights when cooking is not an option.

Meatball Trivia:
Ever wonder what other countries call their meatballs or how they serve them? Just in case you would like to know, here are just a few:

In Italy, meatballs are known as polpette.
In Greece, meatballs are called 'keftedes' and usually have mint and onions mixed in them.
Danish meatballs are known as frikadeller and are typically made from pork.
German meatballs have several names, depending on where you live. They are called Frikadellen in the North, Buletten in the East , and Fleischpflanzerl or Fleischküchle in the South.
In Norway, meatballs are called kjøttkaker ("meat cakes") and are generally made from ground beef. They are traditionally served with boiled potatoes, gravy, lingonberry jam and/or stewed green peas.
Swedish köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) are made with ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs soaked in milk and finely chopped onions. They are seasoned with white pepper and salt. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and fresh pickled cucumber.
Turkish cuisine features more than 80 types of meatballs, which are called köfte.

Turkey Meatballs in Italian Sauce
Serves 8

28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt to taste
1 pound ground turkey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup dried parsley
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 slice grainy whole wheat bread (crumble, place in a food processor, and pulse until you have 1/2 cup bread crumbs)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup whole wheat flour

Combine tomatoes, vinegar, onions, garlic, mushrooms, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, and salt in slow cooker. Turn on Low.
Combine remaining ingredients, except flour and oil.
Form into 1-inch balls. Dredge each ball in flour. Heat oil to medium in a large frying pan. Cook the meatballs in the pan until browned on all sides. Drain.
Transfer meatballs to slow cooker and mix into the sauce. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.
Serve over pasta or rice.

Note: I have also used a premade pasta sauce in place of the canned tomatoes, vinegar, and onions. I still like adding all the rest of the vegetables to the sauce. The seasonings are up to you if you use a premade sauce. It really depends on what flavors are already in the sauce.

Looking for a savory bread recipe to go with these turkey meatballs? Check out the healthy baking section for some ideas.