Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce offer a comforting twist on a classic dish. The rich, creamy sauce highlights the earthy flavors of pumpkin and fresh sage, making it perfect for cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and full of seasonal warmth, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, chopped sage, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and combine pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
6. Step 6: Gently add the baked meatballs to the pumpkin sage sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs warm, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk for extra tenderness in the meatballs.
• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the sauce for a subtle warm spice note.
• For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Serve over cooked quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply warm them in the pumpkin sage sauce before serving.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin without added spices or sweeteners, while pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices. For this recipe, use plain canned pumpkin puree to avoid unexpected sweetness or flavor changes.

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

This Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce recipe features tender, flavorful turkey meatballs baked to golden perfection and simmered in a creamy, seasoned pumpkin and sage sauce. It’s a cozy and comforting dish perfect for fall or any time you crave a hearty, aromatic meal.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, chopped fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure they cook uniformly and do not stick.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare Pumpkin Sage Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin puree, low-sodium chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and combined.
6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the pumpkin sage sauce. Simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors and heat the meatballs through.
7. Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs warm with your choice of crusty bread or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs with added herbs if preferred.
• Fresh sage is key for authentic flavor, but dried sage can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity to 1 tsp).
• Ensure the pumpkin puree used is plain and not pumpkin pie filling to avoid added sugars and spices.
• The sauce can be adjusted for thickness by adding more chicken broth or cream depending on preference.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just increase baking time slightly if needed.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, baked meatballs, fall recipe, creamy pumpkin sauce, ground turkey recipe