Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a perfect dish for those cozy autumn evenings or festive gatherings. These savory meatballs, made with lean ground turkey and paired with a rich pumpkin sage sauce, deliver a warm, comforting flavor that embodies the spirit of fall. The delightful combination of juicy turkey and creamy pumpkin sauce provides not only a delicious meal but also a healthy alternative to traditional meatball recipes. Whether served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoyed as appetizers, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups fresh 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
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing and 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
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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, soak fresh breadcrumbs in milk for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add finely minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Gently fold in the ground turkey until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Form into meatballs using a 2-tablespoon scoop and chill in the freezer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sear meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- For the sauce, sauté onion and garlic in ghee and olive oil; stir in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, pepper, cream, and maple syrup.
- Add meatballs to the sauce; simmer gently for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg