Light Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Recipe

This Light Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves buffalo flavor without all the guilt! These meatballs are tender, packed with spicy buffalo goodness, and surprisingly light thanks to lean turkey and simple ingredients. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this perfect for everything from game day snacking to easy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Using lean turkey instead of beef significantly reduces the fat content while still delivering amazing flavor and texture.
• Set It and Forget It: After a quick browning step, your slow cooker takes over, freeing you up to do other things while dinner cooks itself.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs hit all the right notes – spicy, savory, and satisfying. They’re perfect for parties but simple enough for family dinners.
• Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, in sandwiches, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Turkey: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs light. Jennie-O works great, but any lean ground turkey will do.
• Old Fashioned Oats: Acts as a binder while adding fiber and nutrients – much better than breadcrumbs!
• Egg: Helps hold everything together for perfectly formed meatballs that won’t fall apart.
• Onion: Adds moisture and a sweet aromatic flavor that balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Bleu Cheese Crumbles: Incorporates that classic buffalo wing pairing right into the meatballs for an extra flavor dimension.
• Garlic: Provides that essential savory depth that makes these meatballs irresistible.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star flavor – brings the heat and tangy zip that makes these meatballs special. Choose your preferred spice level.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:

Different Heat Levels

Adjust the spice by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce depending on your preference. You can even mix in some honey to create a sweeter buffalo flavor.

Cheese Options

Not a bleu cheese fan? Try substituting with mozzarella, cheddar, or feta crumbles for a different flavor profile.

Serving Alternatives

Transform these meatballs into sliders, lettuce wraps, or even pizza toppings for creative meal options.

Dietary Adaptations

Make them gluten-free by ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, or swap the oats for almond flour if you’re going low-carb.

How to Make Light Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, oats, egg, diced onion, bleu cheese crumbles, and garlic. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 18 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Tip: Don’t overmix the meat mixture or your meatballs might become tough.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, then gently turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This browning step creates a nice crust and locks in flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Pour just enough buffalo sauce to coat the bottom of your Crock Pot. This prevents sticking and starts building that buffalo flavor from the bottom up.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer the browned meatballs to the Crock Pot. They’ll still be mostly raw inside, which is exactly what you want. Pour the remaining buffalo sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are fully cooked through, they’re ready to serve! The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Browning: This quick step adds tremendous flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape in the slow cooker.
• Mix Gently: Use a light touch when mixing and forming the meatballs to keep them tender rather than dense.
• Check Temperature: For food safety, ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Sauce Control: If you want extra sauce for dipping, reserve some buffalo sauce rather than adding it all to the Crock Pot.
• Even Sizing: Try to make your meatballs uniform in size so they cook evenly.

How to Serve

These versatile meatballs can be served in countless delicious ways:

As an Appetizer

Serve with toothpicks and extra bleu cheese dressing on the side. Add celery and carrot sticks for the complete buffalo wing experience.

Main Dish Ideas

Serve over cauliflower rice or regular rice for a filling meal. They’re also fantastic in warm sub rolls with melted provolone cheese for meatball sandwiches with a kick.

Complementary Sides

These pair beautifully with a cool, crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the buffalo sauce continues to infuse the meat.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze exceptionally well! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, in a covered skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without browning them first?
While technically possible, I strongly recommend not skipping the browning step. It creates a nice exterior on the meatballs, helps them hold their shape, and adds a depth of flavor that’s worth the extra few minutes of prep time.

My meatball mixture seems too wet. What should I do?
If your mixture feels too wet to form into balls, add a tablespoon or two more oats. Conversely, if it seems too dry, a splash of buffalo sauce can add moisture. The consistency should be just firm enough to hold a shape.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use for this recipe?
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a popular choice, but any buffalo wing sauce you enjoy will work well. Choose the heat level that matches your preference – some brands offer mild, medium, and hot variations.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the meatballs in a single layer or at most two layers. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly, especially if the meatballs are stacked.

Final Thoughts

These Light Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs bring all the bold, spicy flavor you love without the guilt! They’re the perfect balance of convenience and taste – easy enough for weeknight cooking but special enough for entertaining. Whether you’re serving them as game day appetizers or transforming them into a hearty dinner, they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give them a try next time you’re craving buffalo flavor with a healthier twist!

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