Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe
These turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce offer a cozy and flavorful twist on a classic dish. The creamy pumpkin sauce paired with aromatic sage makes this recipe perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, sage, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 5: In a skillet over medium heat, combine pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream; stir until smooth.
- Step 6: Gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 7: Serve warm with crusty bread or pasta.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, add an egg to the meatball mixture before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
- Fresh sage can be swapped for dried sage; use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin sauce for a warm, nutty flavor.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, canned pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin without added spices or sugar, whereas pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree for this recipe.
PrintTurkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe
These Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce combine lean ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection with a rich, creamy pumpkin and sage sauce. The savory flavors of fresh sage and the warmth of pumpkin make this an ideal comforting dish for fall or anytime you want a flavorful, healthy meal with a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, fresh chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Pumpkin Sage Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the canned pumpkin puree, low-sodium chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Carefully add the baked meatballs into the pumpkin sauce. Allow them to simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the meatballs absorb some sauce.
- Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs coated in the creamy pumpkin sage sauce warm. Pair with crusty bread or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs or add your own herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- If you want a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Make sure to not confuse pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- For a richer sage flavor, you can lightly sauté the sage in butter before adding it to the sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, baked meatballs, fall recipes, healthy turkey recipe, creamy pumpkin sauce, savory meatballs
