Ingredients

  • 3 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 2 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes in puree
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Hot cooked pasta
  • Additional minced fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Method

  • Preheat broiler. Combine bread and milk in a large bowl; let stand until liquid is absorbed. Add next eight ingredients; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls; place on a greased rack of a broiler pan. Broil 5-6 in. from heat until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes.
  • For the sauce, in a 6-qt. slow cooker, mix the next nine ingredients. Add bay leaves and meatballs; gently stir into sauce.
  • Cook, covered, on low until meatballs are cooked through, 4-5 hours. Discard bay leaves. Serve with pasta; if desired, sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese.
  • Omitting additional parsley and Parmesan cheese, freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring gently and adding a little water if necessary. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan.