These savory and juicy Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are perfect for cozy fall dinners or festive gatherings. The combination of tender turkey meatballs nestled in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce creates a warm and comforting dish that everyone will love. This recipe showcases the delightful flavors of autumn, making it an ideal choice for family meals or holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s simple enough for weeknight cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall Flavors: The pumpkin and sage create a unique taste that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without much fuss.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve these meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on their own for a satisfying meal.
- Healthy Option: Ground turkey is leaner than traditional beef, making this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a great option for family dinners or entertaining guests, sure to impress everyone at the table.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process smooth and efficient, gather your tools before starting. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Heavy-bottom skillet (non-stick or cast iron)
- Garlic press
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Heavy-bottom skillet: Allows for even cooking and prevents burning while frying the meatballs.
Ingredients
These savory and juicy turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce are a rich, delicious and warming meal brimming with fall flavors!
- 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
- 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 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 tablespoons chopped, fresh sage
- Fried sage leaves, optional garnish
How to Make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering and prepping all of your turkey meatball ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs
To prepare your turkey meatballs:
1. In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and pour over the milk.
2. Let them sit and soak for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add in the onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, whole egg plus yolk.
4. Using a fork, mix the ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Combine with Ground Turkey
Next:
1. Add the ground turkey along with salt and pepper into the mixture.
2. Using a light hand, gently combine all ingredients just until mixed well.
3. The mixture will be sticky and moist; this is normal.
Step 4: Chill the Meatballs
Using a scoop:
1. Portion out turkey meatballs onto a parchment-lined platter.
2. Place them into the freezer to chill for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 5: Roll into Balls
Once chilled:
1. Lightly wet your palms with water or oil.
2. Quickly roll each portion into round balls.
Step 6: Frying the Meatballs
Preheat your skillet:
1. Brush olive oil over each meatball.
2. Heat a heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat with about four tablespoons of oil.
3. Add batches of meatballs; sear them until browned on all sides (about ten minutes). Ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least165°F.
Step 7: Prepare Pumpkin Sage Sauce
After frying:
Gather all sauce ingredients as listed above to prepare:
Step 8: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet used for frying:
1. Wipe it clean then add ghee (or butter) with olive oil until melted.
2. Sauté minced onion for about three minutes until softened.
Step 9: Whisk in Remaining Sauce Ingredients
Add garlic:
Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; once aromatic:
Whisk in pumpkin puree along with salt, pepper, and chicken stock until smooth.
Step10: Simmer Sauce
Allow sauce to simmer gently for about two to three minutes then whisk in parmesan cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage.
Final Step: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Finally:
Add cooked meatballs into sauce allowing them to warm through together briefly before serving hot! Optionally garnish with fried sage leaves if desired. Serve these delightful turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce over your favorite accompaniment like gnocchi or linguine!
How to Serve Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
These savory turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Over Pasta
- Gnocchi: The soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Linguini: A classic choice, linguini allows the sauce to cling beautifully to each strand.
- Penne: The tube shape of penne captures the meatballs and sauce, providing a hearty bite.
On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery flavor of mashed potatoes complements the savory meatballs and sauce wonderfully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra kick, add roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes for depth.
In a Bowl
- Turkey Meatball Bowl: Create a comforting bowl by layering the meatballs and pumpkin sage sauce over brown rice or quinoa.
- Soup Style: Serve the meatballs in a shallow bowl with extra broth for a soup-like experience.
As an Appetizer
- Meatball Skewers: Thread cooked meatballs onto skewers for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
- Mini Meatball Sliders: Serve small meatballs on slider buns topped with pumpkin sage sauce for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
To achieve the best results with your turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Season your turkey mixture generously. This enhances flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.
- Chill the mixture: Allowing the meatball mixture to chill helps them hold their shape when cooking.
- Use dark meat turkey: Opt for ground dark meat turkey as it provides more moisture and flavor compared to leaner options.
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to prevent tough meatballs; this ensures they remain tender and juicy.
- Cook in batches: Frying in batches helps maintain even cooking and browning without overcrowding the pan.
- Simmer gently: When combining meatballs with the pumpkin sage sauce, simmer gently to meld flavors without overcooking.
Best Side Dishes for Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
Pairing side dishes with turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly salted green beans offer a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative serves as a light base that complements the savory sauce beautifully.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs pairs well with both the turkey and pumpkin flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies can add brightness alongside this hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using stale breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs provide better texture and flavor. Always ensure your breadcrumbs are fresh or choose panko for extra crunch.
- Skipping the resting time: Not chilling the meatballs can lead to them falling apart while cooking. Make sure to chill them for 20-25 minutes to firm up.
- Overmixing the meat mixture: Mixing too much can make your meatballs dense. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed for tender meatballs.
- Ignoring the internal temperature: Undercooked meat can be unsafe. Always check that the internal temperature of the turkey meatballs reaches 165°F.
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and flavored, which alters the sauce’s taste. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the turkey meatballs are cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce?
You can pair these meatballs with pasta like linguini or penne, or serve them over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Can I substitute ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer. The flavors will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce?
The total cooking time is about 35 minutes after preparing your ingredients and forming the meatballs.
Can I add more spices to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the sauce with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
These turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce offer a delightful blend of savory flavors perfect for fall. They’re not only comforting but also versatile; you can pair them with various sides or adjust spices according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a heartwarming meal that satisfies every craving!
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a delightful dish that embodies the flavors of fall. These savory turkey meatballs are nestled in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce, making them perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs without sacrificing flavor. Serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer for a crowd-pleasing option everyone will love. Enjoy this heartwarming meal that captures the essence of autumn!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 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
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 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 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Add onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and eggs; mix well.
- Fold in ground turkey, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into meatballs and chill for 20-25 minutes.
- Fry meatballs in a heated skillet until browned and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic; whisk in pumpkin puree, stock, cream, and seasonings to make the sauce.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
