Heart2Heart

Slow-Cooker BBQ Turkey Meatballs

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 4 hr

Serves: 6

Cost per serving: $1.20

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 small onion, grated

1 rib celery, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb ground turkey breast

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup rolled oats (do not use instant)

2 cups barbecue sauce

1. Warm oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Transfer mixture to a small bowl and let cool.

2. Place turkey in a large bowl. Add onion mixture, egg and oats. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly blend ingredients. Dampen hands lightly and form mixture into about 20 meatballs, each 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

3. Pour a small amount of sauce over bottom of slow cooker. Add meatballs, top with remaining sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on high until meatballs are cooked through, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

Kitchen Tips

• Use the best turkey. - Like beef, ground turkey contains different amounts of fat - usually around 85 percent, 93 percent and 99 percent. We like the 93 percent version, which has just enough fat to lend some flavor and welcome texture.
• Grab a roll. - Smashed potatoes and a vegetable make great sides, or you could serve these tasty meatballs on her rolls. A light, vinegar-based coleslaw rounds out the meal nicely.
• Freeze extras. - If you have leftover meatballs, place individual servings in freezer-weight ziplock bags. Label the bags with the date; frozen meatballs are good for up to three months.