Description
Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors that evoke the warmth of fall. This dish features tender turkey meatballs enveloped in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce that creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, these meatballs offer versatility, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or simply enjoyed on their own. The unique combination of ingredients not only makes this dish delicious but also ensures it’s packed with nutrients. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage
- Fried sage leaves, optional garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, and parmesan; mix well.
- Gently fold in ground turkey, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape into meatballs and chill for 20-25 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry meatballs until browned and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, prepare the pumpkin sage sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, pepper, cream, and maple syrup.
- Combine cooked meatballs with sauce and simmer briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg