Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal to warm your heart this season, I’ve got just the recipe for you! These Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are a delightful blend of savory flavors that truly celebrate fall. The combination of juicy turkey meatballs and creamy pumpkin sage sauce creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

What makes this dish even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up in just over an hour, making it accessible for even the busiest of schedules. Plus, the rich flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: This recipe comes together with straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later.
• Rich flavor profile: The combination of pumpkin and sage gives this dish a unique twist that’s both hearty and satisfying.
• Versatile serving options: Pair these meatballs with your choice of pasta, gnocchi, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create not just a meal, but a moment of comfort and warmth.

For the 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 over top and lightly frying

For the 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
• (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef for different flavor profiles.
• Add veggies: Mix in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Change up the sauce: Try using butternut squash puree instead of pumpkin for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Herb alternatives: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary if you don’t have sage on hand.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

Begin by gathering all your turkey meatball ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak for about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures moisture throughout your meatballs. Then add in onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and eggs. Use a fork to combine these ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Combine with Ground Turkey

Next, gently fold in the ground turkey along with salt and pepper. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; we want tender meatballs that won’t be tough after cooking. The mixture will feel sticky—that’s perfectly normal!

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Using a scoop or spoon, portion out your turkey mixture into balls about two tablespoons each. Place them on a lined platter and pop them into the freezer for about 20-25 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Meatballs

Once chilled, roll each meatball gently between your palms to form nice rounds. Brush them lightly with olive oil before searing them in a hot skillet. Start by browning on medium-high heat until they’re golden brown on all sides—this adds great flavor!

Step 5: Prepare the Pumpkin Sage Sauce

After cooking all your meatballs, wipe out the skillet and add ghee along with olive oil. Sauté minced onion until it’s soft—this brings out its natural sweetness. Next, stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until aromatic.

Step 6: Create Your Sauce Base

Now it’s time to whisk in that delicious pumpkin puree along with chicken stock until smooth. Let everything simmer gently so those flavors can meld together beautifully!

Step 7: Final Touches

Stir in grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage into your sauce. This step adds richness and depth that pairs perfectly with your meatballs.

Step 8: Combine Everything Together

Add those beautiful turkey meatballs back into the sauce for just a few minutes until heated through again. If you’d like an extra touch of elegance, top with fried sage leaves before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce! Serve them over your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal that brings warmth right from my kitchen to yours!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Making turkey meatballs can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can take your dish to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavors of your meatballs and sauce. They bring out the best in your dish, making it taste vibrant and delicious.
• Chill the Meatballs: Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too dense during cooking. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough meatballs, so keep it gentle for that perfect texture.
• Sear for Flavor: Browning the meatballs in a hot skillet adds depth of flavor through caramelization. This step creates a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender center.
• Adjust Consistency: If your pumpkin sage sauce is too thick, whisk in additional chicken stock or cream until you reach your desired consistency. A smooth sauce clings beautifully to pasta or potatoes!

How to Serve Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Presenting your turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce can elevate your dining experience! With thoughtful garnishing and perfect side dishes, you’ll create a feast that’s not only flavorful but visually appealing as well.

Garnishes

• Fried Sage Leaves: Crisped sage leaves add an aromatic crunch and enhance the dish’s earthy flavors.
• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the plate, adding color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of parmesan on top brings a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes make an excellent base for soaking up that luscious pumpkin sage sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce while adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin sauce, creating a balanced plate.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with citrus vinaigrette adds brightness and texture, making it a healthy complement to this hearty dish.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with a cozy meal that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every savory bite of your turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious and comforting dish ready to go for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• The turkey meatballs can be frozen either cooked or uncooked.
• For uncooked meatballs, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• For cooked meatballs, let them cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through.
• For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above, or microwave them until warmed thoroughly.
• If reheating from frozen directly in a skillet, add a splash of chicken stock or water to help steam and warm them evenly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for the meatballs?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey and will still yield flavorful meatballs. Just follow the same preparation steps.

How can I make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Everything else in the recipe remains unchanged!

What should I serve with Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce?

These turkey meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta like gnocchi or penne, mashed potatoes, or even over rice. Choose your favorite side!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin sage sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve your turkey meatballs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce as much as I do! This dish captures all the warmth and flavors of fall while being healthy and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Don’t hesitate to dive into this cozy recipe—you’ll be so glad you did! Happy cooking!

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