Save to Pinterest Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.
I first served this to my family on a chilly fall evening and it quickly became a favorite for its rich flavor and cozy feel.
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg beaten, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree, 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage), 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
- For Serving (Optional): Cooked pasta or rice, Extra Parmesan cheese, Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Heat Sauce Base:
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Pumpkin and Broth:
- Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth; stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, turning them gently to coat with the sauce.
- Simmer Together:
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has created many cozy family dinners with shared memories around the table during the fall season.
Preparation and Cooking Times
Preparation Time is 20 minutes. Cooking Time is 30 minutes. Rest Time is 5 minutes, totaling 55 minutes.
Dietary Notes
This dish is nut free and can be made gluten free by switching to certified gluten free breadcrumbs. Contains dairy and egg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over cooked pasta or rice and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for best flavor.
Save to Pinterest This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep turkey meatballs tender?
Use a mix of breadcrumbs and beaten egg to retain moisture, and avoid overmixing the meat. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking without drying out.
- → What adds flavor to the pumpkin sage sauce?
The pumpkin puree combined with fresh sage, nutmeg, Parmesan, and a splash of cream creates a rich, aromatic sauce with balanced warmth and savoriness.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, meatballs can be baked ahead of time and frozen. Reheat gently in the sauce before serving to maintain tenderness and flavor.
- → What are good serving options with this dish?
Serve over cooked pasta or rice to soak up the creamy pumpkin sage sauce, and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for added brightness.
- → How can I adjust this dish for dietary needs?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free, and consider substituting dairy ingredients if needed. Adding red pepper flakes can provide a spicy variation.