Save Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—an easy, comforting dish perfect for fall or any cozy evening.
I first made this for my family on a chilly evening and everyone loved how the pumpkin sauce added a unique twist to classic meatballs.
Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey
- Egg: 1 large
- Breadcrumbs: 60 g (½ cup) gluten-free if desired
- Parmesan cheese: 30 g (¼ cup) grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh chopped or 1 tbsp dried
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Milk: 2 tbsp
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Pumpkin purée: 400 g (1¾ cups) canned or homemade
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Sage: 1½ tsp fresh finely chopped or ½ tsp dried
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Parmesan cheese: 20 g (2 tbsp) grated
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine ground turkey egg breadcrumbs Parmesan garlic parsley salt pepper and milk. Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Step 3:
- Shape mixture into 16 18 small meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes or until meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Step 5:
- While the meatballs bake heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 34 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Step 6:
- Add pumpkin purée chicken broth cream sage nutmeg salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 57 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Step 7:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 23 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot garnished with extra sage or Parmesan if desired.
Save My family enjoys gathering around the table to savor this dish especially during the cooler months it has become a seasonal favorite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over mashed potatoes pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Variations
Substitute ground chicken for turkey for a different flavor or use coconut cream to make it dairy free.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be frozen for longer storage.
Save This recipe is simple yet flavorful perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken can easily replace turkey for a slightly different but equally tasty result.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the pumpkin sage sauce a bit longer to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
This pairs well with mashed potatoes, cooked pasta, or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- → Is there a dairy-free version available?
Yes, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Meatballs can be baked in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days before combining with the sauce.