Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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