Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato-Spinach Sauce



Mmm, this one is a keeper! Can work well as a soup or by omitting the water, can make a great sauce topping on zucchini noodles.

Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 lb ground turkey
1 white onion, finely diced
1 lb chopped spinach (that's the equivalent of a large clam shell)
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes, no salt added
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes, garlic
1 T sea salt
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t paprika
1 t oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1/2 C water (optional)

Instructions
1. Heat cooking spray in a large pan. Form the turkey balls and try them on all sides until they are browned but the middles are still raw. Don't overcrowd the pan, but rather work in batches. Remove the meatballs from the pan and place into the slow cooker.
2. Add a bit more cooking spray and add the diced onions. Remove from pan and place into slow cooker.
3. Saute the chopped spinach in the pan until it begins to wilt.k Remove from pan and place into slow cooker. You may have to work in batches as well.
4. Pour the cans of tomatoes into the slow cooker and add the spices and water. Stir the mixture gently, being careful not to break the meatballs.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve hot over zucchini pasta.