Description
Experience the warm and comforting flavors of fall with these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish features juicy ground turkey meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce infused with aromatic sage. The combination of savory spices and seasonal ingredients creates a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or on their own as an appetizer, this recipe promises to be a family favorite.
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 organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to 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 mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and egg; mix well.
- Gently fold in ground turkey along with salt and pepper until combined.
- Form meatballs and chill for 20-25 minutes in the freezer.
- Sear meatballs in a skillet until browned on all sides; ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add pumpkin puree, chicken stock, and seasonings; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in cream and parmesan; return meatballs to sauce to warm through before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg