Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe
Hearty and comforting Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce make a perfect cozy dinner, blending lean ground turkey meatballs with a creamy, earthy pumpkin and fresh sage sauce. This delicious dish offers a unique autumn-inspired flavor, perfect for family meals and chilly nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Turkey (lean option preferred)
- 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs (can substitute with panko)
- 1/4 cup Milk (to soak the breadcrumbs)
- 1 medium Onion (finely minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh and minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Sage (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- 1 large Egg (whole and yolk combined)
For the Pumpkin Sauce
- 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree (organic recommended)
- 1/2 cup Cream (for a velvety texture)
Instructions
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a medium bowl, combine fresh breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak for about 5 minutes to ensure the breadcrumbs become moist and flavorful, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, fresh sage, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and eggs. Avoid overworking the mixture to maintain tenderness in the meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Using clean hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Uniform size helps them cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Pan-fry the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Make Pumpkin Sauce: In the same skillet, add the canned pumpkin puree and cream. Stir well to combine, then add any remaining sage. Heat gently for about 3 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked meatballs back into the pumpkin sauce, coating them evenly. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs warm with pumpkin sage sauce, garnished with extra sage leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Perfect with sides like pasta or gnocchi.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for moisture and flavor balance.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Uniform meatball size ensures even cooking.
- For a thinner sauce, add broth or water as needed.
- Store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for best freshness.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Optional substitutions: ground beef for richer flavor, coconut milk for dairy-free sauce, and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make gluten-free.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary as alternatives to sage.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, cozy dinner, fall recipe, easy meatballs, pan-fried meatballs, autumn dinner
