Description
This delicious recipe features tender turkey meatballs cooked to perfection and served in a creamy, savory pumpkin sage sauce. The combination of ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and a rich pumpkin-based sauce creates a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for fall or any cozy dinner. The meatballs are lightly fried to achieve a beautiful golden crust before simmering gently in a luscious sauce made from pumpkin puree, garlic, parmesan, and fresh sage.
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 cheese
- 1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 lean to fat ratio)
- 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 garlic cloves, 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
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Gather and prep all your ingredients for the turkey meatballs. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting the breadcrumbs soak for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and eggs. Mix thoroughly using a fork.
- Add Ground Turkey and Seasonings: Incorporate the ground turkey, salt, and pepper gently into the breadcrumb mixture. Combine just until fully incorporated, keeping the mixture moist and sticky.
- Form Meatballs and Chill: Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the meat mixture onto a parchment-lined platter. Refrigerate or freeze for 20 to 25 minutes to firm up the meatballs, making them easier to handle.
- Shape Meatballs: Lightly wet your palms with water or oil and roll each portion into a round meatball shape.
- Brown the Meatballs: Brush each meatball lightly with olive oil. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, sear to brown, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook evenly on all sides for about 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set cooked meatballs aside on a clean platter.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: Wipe out the skillet. Melt ghee (or butter) with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant.
- Add Pumpkin and Stock: Whisk in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and chicken stock until smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and whisk in grated parmesan, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped fresh sage.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Place the cooked meatballs into the sauce and let them warm through for a few minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fried sage leaves if desired, and serve the turkey meatballs with pumpkin sage sauce over gnocchi, linguini, penne, bow ties, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use dark meat ground turkey (93% lean, 7% fat) for moister meatballs.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Chilling meatballs before frying helps them hold their shape better.
- Use fresh herbs like sage and parsley for the best flavor.
- Ensure internal temperature of meatballs reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Fried sage leaves add a crisp texture and aroma as garnish but are optional.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, gnocchi, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, comfort food, fall recipe, ground turkey, creamy pumpkin sauce, savory meatballs
