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 served this at a family gathering and everyone loved the unique twist on traditional meatballs, especially the creamy pumpkin sauce.
Ingredients
- Turkey Meatballs: 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey, 1 large egg, 60 g (½ cup) breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired), 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 1 tbsp dried), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp milk
- Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 400 g (1¾ cups) pumpkin purée (canned or homemade), 250 ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 1½ tsp fresh sage finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried), ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, salt and black pepper to taste, 20 g (2 tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
- Shape Meatballs:
- Shape mixture into 16–18 small meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Cook Sauce:
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Add pumpkin purée, chicken broth, cream, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 2–3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra sage or Parmesan if desired.
Save This meal often brings the family together, especially on chilly evenings when everyone craves comforting food.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a heartier meal. Substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit Parmesan.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, baking sheet, parchment paper, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 385 per serving. Total Fat: 22 g. Carbohydrates: 16 g. Protein: 30 g.
Save Enjoy this cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and yields similarly tender meatballs with a mild flavor.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
- → What sides pair best with these meatballs?
Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the flavorful pumpkin sage sauce.
- → Can I prepare meatballs ahead of time?
Meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated before baking; leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free breadcrumbs will maintain texture while making the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.