Easy Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage (Printable Version)

Tender turkey meatballs in a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce for comforting meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
04 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp milk

→ Pumpkin Sage Sauce

10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1¾ cups pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
14 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
15 - ½ cup heavy cream
16 - 1½ tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
17 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
19 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
03 - Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 small meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
05 - While baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
06 - Add pumpkin purée, broth, heavy cream, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Add baked meatballs to the sauce, simmering together for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
09 - Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra fresh sage or Parmesan cheese.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to prepare
  • Comforting and flavorful for cooler weather
02 -
  • This recipe is gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge
03 -
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Simmer meatballs gently in the sauce to blend flavors without drying out.
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