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Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Sauce: A Delicious Fall Recipe

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Sauce: A Delicious Fall Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

This Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a comforting and flavorful fall recipe that combines lean ground turkey meatballs with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage and warm spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh sage leaves (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
  2. Form Meatballs: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh sage, dried thyme, and nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  6. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the browned turkey meatballs back into the skillet with the pumpkin sage sauce.
  9. Simmer Together: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  10. Serve: Serve the meatballs and pumpkin sage sauce hot over your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, additional grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired for an added kick.

Notes

  • Use 93% lean turkey to keep meatballs moist yet lower in fat.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tender meatballs.
  • Fresh sage enhances the flavor but dried sage can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
  • Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Leftover meatballs and sauce keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, fall recipe, comforting dinner, healthy meatballs, creamy pumpkin sauce

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/turkey-meatballs-pumpkin-sage-sauce-a-delicious-fall-recipe/