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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce, a dish that captures the essence of autumn with every bite. This hearty recipe features tender turkey meatballs enveloped in a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with aromatic sage. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this meal is not only simple to prepare but also delivers an irresistible warmth that everyone will enjoy. Pair it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner that can be made ahead and enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (slightly heaping) fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup finely minced onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio lean to fat)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing over top and lightly frying
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely minced onion
  • 6 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage
  • Fried sage leaves, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, soak fresh breadcrumbs in milk for 2–3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and egg; mix well.
  2. Gently combine with ground turkey and seasonings. Form into meatballs and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs until golden brown on all sides; remove from skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning before adding pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
  5. Stir in cream and parmesan cheese; return meatballs to skillet to warm through before serving.

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