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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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