Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn with these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. This delightful dish combines juicy turkey meatballs with a creamy pumpkin sage sauce, creating a comforting meal perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings. The savory herbs and rich pumpkin sauce envelop the tender meatballs, making every bite a flavorful experience. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on a bed of greens, this versatile recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, it’s a dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients while delivering heartwarming comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup finely minced onion
4 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio lean to fat)
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing over top and lightly frying
2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely minced onion
6 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
15 ounce can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree
1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine fresh breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 2–3 minutes.
Mix in onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Gently fold in ground turkey until just mixed; form into meatballs and chill for 20–25 minutes.
Sear meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
For the sauce, sauté onion and garlic in ghee and olive oil; add pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and simmer.
Combine meatballs with sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately 140g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Use fresh breadcrumbs for moisture retention. Chill meatballs before cooking to maintain their shape. Substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef for varied flavor profiles.