Description
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly autumn evenings. This recipe features tender turkey meatballs enveloped in a rich, creamy pumpkin sage sauce that brings warmth and flavor to your dining table. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, these meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or even on a bed of greens. With easy preparation steps and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your guests while offering a nutritious alternative to traditional meatball recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Mix in onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and egg until well blended.
- Add ground turkey along with salt and pepper; gently combine until mixed (the mixture will be sticky).
- Form into meatballs using a 2-tablespoon scoop and place on a parchment-lined platter; freeze for 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil; sear meatballs until browned on all sides (about 10 minutes).
- For the sauce, sauté onion and garlic in ghee and olive oil until softened; whisk in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and sage.
- Combine cooked meatballs with the sauce and warm through before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg