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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Savory Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Pumpkin Sage Sauce

This recipe for Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce offers a cozy, creamy twist on traditional meatballs, perfect for autumn dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground turkey a lean protein
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs helps bind the meat mixture
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds savory kick
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced infuses flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon salt essential for flavor
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying the meatballs
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree brings creamy texture
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth adds depth
  • ½ cup heavy cream creates richness
  • 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped adds sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced for flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped complements flavors
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg adds warmth
  • to taste salt final seasoning
  • to taste black pepper final seasoning

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • clean plate or board

Method
 

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
Form the Meatballs
  1. Wet your hands slightly, shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a plate.
Brown the Meatballs
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, cooking for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté the Onions
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic and Create the Sauce Base
  1. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the Pumpkin and Broth
  1. Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Season the Sauce
  1. Add chopped sage, nutmeg, and season the sauce with additional salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
  1. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Transfer meatballs to a serving platter, drizzle with sauce, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers to avoid rapid boiling.

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