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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

This recipe features tender turkey meatballs cooked to perfection and bathed in a creamy, savory pumpkin sage sauce. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, parmesan, and a touch of maple syrup in the sauce provides a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for fall or any time you want a seasonal twist on classic meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Meatballs

  • 1 1/2 cups (slightly heaping) 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 and frying

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

  • 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
  • 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup 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
  • Fried sage leaves, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by gathering and prepping all turkey meatball ingredients so everything is organized and ready to use.
  2. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and pour over the milk. Let soak for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the breadcrumbs.
  3. Mix Meatball Base: Add the minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and eggs to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly with a fork to combine completely.
  4. Add Turkey and Season: Gently fold in the ground turkey along with salt and pepper. Combine gently just until everything is evenly mixed; the mixture will be sticky and moist.
  5. Form and Chill Meatballs: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the mixture onto a parchment-lined platter. Place in the freezer for 20-25 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
  6. Shape Meatballs: Wet hands lightly with water or oil and quickly roll each portion between your palms to form round meatballs.
  7. Brown Meatballs: Brush each meatball lightly with olive oil. Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat with about 4 tablespoons of oil. Add meatballs in batches and sear until browned, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Set cooked meatballs aside.
  8. Prepare Sauce Ingredients: Gather and prep the pumpkin sage sauce ingredients to have them ready for the next step.
  9. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Wipe out the skillet, then melt ghee (or butter) with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant.
  10. Add Pumpkin and Stock: Whisk in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and chicken stock until smooth. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
  11. Finish Sauce: Turn off heat and whisk in parmesan, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage.
  12. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Place the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let them warm through for a few minutes. Garnish with fried sage leaves if desired. Serve hot over your favorite base such as gnocchi or pasta.

Notes

  • Use dark meat ground turkey (93/7) for juicier meatballs.
  • Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them keep their shape.
  • Ensure meatballs reach 165°F internally for food safety.
  • Do not use pumpkin pie filling; use plain pumpkin puree for proper flavor.
  • Fried sage leaves add a beautiful and crisp garnish if available.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with gnocchi, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, fall recipe, comfort food, ground turkey, easy meatballs, creamy pumpkin sauce

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/turkey-meatballs-in-pumpkin-sage-sauce-recipe/