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Savory Pork and Sauerkraut Crockpot Bowl with Easy Turkey Meatballs

savory pork and sauerkraut crockpot bowl - featured image
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A hearty and comforting crockpot meal combining tender pork shoulder, tangy sauerkraut, and juicy baked turkey meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with a flavorful Eastern European twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (substitute gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into roughly 1½-inch chunks. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, toss pork chunks with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown pork chunks on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned pork to the crockpot.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 large egg, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through but still juicy.
  6. Drain sauerkraut well and layer it over the pork in the crockpot. Pour 1 cup chicken broth over everything.
  7. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until pork is tender and flavors meld.
  8. Once pork is done, gently stir in baked turkey meatballs and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Brown the pork before slow cooking to add flavor and seal in juices. Bake turkey meatballs separately to keep them tender and juicy. Drain sauerkraut well to avoid watery crockpot. Avoid stirring vigorously after adding sauerkraut to maintain texture. For thicker broth, remove lid for last 30 minutes of cooking. Can substitute pork loin for pork shoulder but watch cooking time. Use parchment paper on baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork shoulder, sauerkraut, turkey meatballs, crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep, Eastern European, savory bowl

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/savory-pork-and-sauerkraut-crockpot-bowl-with-easy-turkey-meatballs-recipe/