Savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These savory turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce offer a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for autumn or any time you want a cozy, flavorful meal that feels special without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Turkey (can substitute with ground beef for richer taste)
• 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs (panko can be used for lighter texture)
• 1/4 cup Milk (no substitutions recommended)
• 1 small Onion, finely minced (shallots can be a milder substitute)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh is best, but garlic powder can work)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Sage (dried sage is a possible substitute)
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (feel free to swap or omit)
• 1 large Egg (1 whole + 1 yolk, substitutes aren’t recommended)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree (avoid pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half can be a lighter alternative)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Soak fresh breadcrumbs with milk in a small bowl for about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, sage, Italian seasoning, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Step 4: Roll portions of the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5: Cook the formed meatballs in the preheated skillet for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and additional sage. Stir and heat the sauce for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
7. Step 7: Reintroduce the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the pumpkin sauce for about 3-4 minutes to absorb flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute ground turkey with ground beef or a turkey-beef mix.
• Use panko breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter, crunchier texture in the meatballs.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the pumpkin sauce for added warmth and depth.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce the sauce’s richness without sacrificing creaminess.
• Make the dish dairy-free by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using a non-dairy cream alternative.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs with pumpkin sage sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking and adding the sauce.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can be used but needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth before adding. Using canned pumpkin puree saves time and ensures a smooth, consistent sauce texture.

Savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of these Savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. Ground turkey meatballs are combined with fresh herbs, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, then gently browned and simmered in a creamy, fragrant pumpkin and sage sauce. This delightful dish offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, ideal for a cozy dinner any time of the year.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground Turkey (can substitute with ground beef for richer taste)
• 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs (Panko can be used for lighter texture)
• 1/4 cup Milk (no substitutions recommended)
• 1 small Onion (finely minced, shallots can be a milder substitute)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh is best; garlic powder can work)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Sage (dried sage is a possible substitute)
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (feel free to swap or omit)
• 1 large Egg (1 whole + 1 yolk, substitutes aren’t recommended)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (use nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)

For the Pumpkin Sauce

• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Puree (avoid pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half can be a lighter alternative)

Instructions

1. Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, preparing it for cooking the meatballs evenly.
2. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, soak the fresh breadcrumbs with milk for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb moisture for tenderness.
3. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, finely minced onion, minced garlic, fresh sage, Italian seasoning, eggs, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly but gently to incorporate all flavors.
4. Form Meatballs: Roll portions of the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking.
5. Cook Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs into the preheated skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust on the outside.
6. Prepare Pumpkin Sauce: In the same skillet, add the canned pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and additional fresh sage. Stir well and heat the sauce for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and aromatic.
7. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the pumpkin sage sauce and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and finish cooking the meatballs through.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic and sage when possible for the best flavor; dried versions can be used but reduce quantities accordingly.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Do not use pumpkin pie filling in place of canned pumpkin puree as it contains additional spices and sugars.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, adjusting to taste.
• Parmesan cheese can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Ground beef can replace turkey for a richer, more traditional meatball flavor.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, creamy pumpkin sauce, savory meatballs, autumn recipe, ground turkey, easy dinner, skillet meatballs