Amazing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for Amazing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Delight combines savory, tender meatballs with a creamy, flavorful pumpkin sauce. It’s a comforting dish perfect for cooler evenings or when you want something both hearty and unique.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, chopped fresh sage, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, combine pumpkin puree, low-sodium chicken broth, and heavy cream in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
6. Step 6: Gently add the baked meatballs to the pumpkin sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs warm with crusty bread or your choice of pasta for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing into the turkey.
• Substitute fresh sage with dried sage if needed, using about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin sauce for a warm, aromatic touch.
• Use turkey sausage meat instead of ground turkey for additional seasoning and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. This dish also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will produce similarly tender meatballs with a mild flavor.

Is it necessary to bake the meatballs before adding them to the sauce?

Baking the meatballs first helps them hold their shape and develop a nice golden crust, which adds texture and flavor. However, you can cook them directly in the sauce if you prefer a softer texture.

Amazing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

These Amazing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender turkey meatballs baked to golden perfection are simmered in a rich, creamy pumpkin and sage sauce, creating a unique combination of savory and subtly sweet flavors.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, fresh chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs bake, in a skillet over medium heat, stir together the pumpkin puree, low-sodium chicken broth, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add the baked meatballs into the pumpkin sage sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Serve: Serve the turkey meatballs warm with the pumpkin sage sauce, pairing them with crusty bread or your choice of pasta for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using seasoned breadcrumbs adds extra flavor but you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs and add extra seasoning if desired.
• Fresh sage is preferred for the best flavor; dried sage can be used but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.
• Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, baked meatballs, creamy pumpkin sauce, cozy dinner, fall recipes