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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce for Cozy Nights

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a comforting blend of turkey meatballs in a creamy sauce, perfect for chilly nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs/Panko Use store-bought panko for lighter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Omit for dairy-free versions.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage Chopped.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Chopped.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Or create a mix with oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
  • 1 large Egg Beaten.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio) Moist and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil/Avocado Oil For frying.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee/Unsalted Butter Coconut oil for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree Not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Honey or agave as an alternative.
  • 4 leaves Fried Sage Leaves Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, soak the fresh breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes until softened. Mix in onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and eggs. Fold in ground turkey with salt and pepper until just combined.
  2. Cover the mixture and chill it in the freezer for 20-25 minutes to help hold shape. Roll into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and lightly coat each with oil.
  3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and carefully place meatballs in skillet. Sear for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken stock, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Slowly stir in heavy cream and maple syrup into the sauce. Adjust thickness with chicken stock if necessary, stirring until heated through.
  6. Gently add cooked meatballs into the sauce, coating and warming through. Simmer together for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fried sage leaves before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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