Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. This hearty dish features tender turkey meatballs bathed in a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with aromatic sage and spices. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether served over pasta, on a bed of greens, or as an appetizer at gatherings, these meatballs are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy the warmth of autumn on your plate with this simple yet flavorful recipe.
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
- 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 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
- Fried sage leaves, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, soak fresh breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, herbs, parmesan, and egg; mix well.
- Gently fold in ground turkey with salt and pepper until combined.
- Chill the mixture for 20-25 minutes then shape into meatballs.
- Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
- Prepare the sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then stir in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, cream, and seasonings.
- Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer until heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg