Description
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a cozy fall dish featuring tender turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy, herby pumpkin sauce—a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for autumn evenings.
Ingredients
For the turkey meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped or grated onion
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the pumpkin sage sauce:
1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1–2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Form into 1 to 1½ inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides in batches if necessary. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil or butter. Sauté garlic and sage for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and broth, whisking until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Return meatballs to skillet and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Substitute ground chicken for a milder taste.
Use coconut milk or non-dairy cream for dairy-free option.
Add sautéed spinach or kale to sauce for extra veggies.
Serve over pasta, polenta, or roasted squash.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg