Pin it Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.
I first served this recipe to my family on a chilly fall evening and it quickly became a favorite comfort dish.
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 large egg, beaten
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil
- For Serving (Optional): Cooked pasta or rice
- For Serving (Optional): Extra Parmesan cheese
- For Serving (Optional): Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 1 inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Heat Oil:
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Pumpkin & Broth:
- Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Meatballs to Sauce:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, turning them gently to coat with the sauce.
- Simmer Meatballs:
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Pin it Cooking this meal together brought our whole family closer and made our autumn evenings special.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, large skillet, measuring cups and spoons, spatula or wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (Parmesan, cream), Egg, Gluten (breadcrumbs unless gluten free option is used). Always check product labels if you have severe allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 450, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 32 g per serving
Pin it This turkey meatball dish with pumpkin sage sauce is an easy and delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors.
Common Questions
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- → Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, dried sage can be used; adjust quantity to about one-third of fresh for balanced flavor.
- → What sides pair well with the meatballs and sauce?
Cooked pasta or rice complement the dish, soaking up the creamy pumpkin sage sauce perfectly.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen; reheat gently in the sauce before serving for best results.
- → How can I add a spicy element to this dish?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering to introduce a subtle kick.