Savory Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Recipe: Fall Magic

Autumn brings a symphony of comforting flavors that dance on your palate, with these delectable turkey meatballs pumpkin sage recipe capturing the essence of seasonal warmth.

Tender ground turkey mingles with earthy pumpkin and fragrant sage, creating a dish that whispers of cozy evenings and rustic charm.

The blend of herbs and spices infuses each morsel with rich, satisfying notes that elevate a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Perfectly seasoned and gently browned, these meatballs promise a delightful culinary experience that embraces the best of fall’s bounty.

Each bite tells a story of comfort, tradition, and wholesome ingredients carefully combined.

The aroma will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this hearty and memorable dish.

You won’t be able to resist the allure of these irresistible meatballs that celebrate the season’s most beloved ingredients.

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce – Flavor Highlights

• Tackle Complex Flavors: Experience a gourmet-style dish that combines rich turkey meatballs with a luxurious pumpkin sage sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Nail Make-Ahead Magic: Prep meatballs in advance by chilling them before cooking, which helps maintain their shape and ensures a perfect texture with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customize Comfort Meal: Versatile recipe allows serving over multiple bases like gnocchi, pasta, or mashed potatoes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master Seasonal Cooking: Leverage autumn-inspired ingredients like pumpkin and sage to create a warming, comforting dish that celebrates seasonal flavors and kitchen creativity.

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a healthy base for the meatballs and adds rich protein to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Help create a tender and moist texture for the meatballs.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Act as a binding agent to hold the meatball mixture together.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic base to the meatball mixture.
• Sage, Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Offer fresh and herbaceous flavors to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and rich umami flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning of the meatballs.

• Pumpkin Puree: Creates a creamy and seasonal base for the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Provides liquid and depth to the sauce.

• Ghee, Oil: Help create a rich cooking medium for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Maple Syrup: Add richness and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty and complex flavor to the sauce.
• Sage: Provides an earthy and aromatic finishing touch to the sauce.

• Oil: Used for searing and preventing meatballs from sticking to the pan.

• Fried Sage Leaves: Offer a crispy and decorative topping for the dish.

Making Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Foundation

Grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Blend breadcrumbs with milk, letting them mingle and soften for a few moments.

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Sage
• Parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Extra egg yolk

Stir everything together with a fork until beautifully combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Ground Turkey

Introduce ground turkey into the herbed mixture.

Sprinkle salt and pepper.

Use a gentle touch to fold ingredients, creating a slightly sticky and moist texture.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Morsels

Scoop meatball portions using a tablespoon measure.

Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Pop the tray into the freezer for 20-25 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 4: Roll and Prepare Meatballs

Dampen hands slightly.

Roll each chilled portion between palms, creating perfect round shapes.

Brush each meatball with a whisper of oil.

Step 5: Sear Meatballs to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place meatballs, searing briefly.

Reduce heat and cook for approximately 10 minutes, rotating occasionally.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

In the same skillet, melt ghee and oil.

Sauté minced onions until softened.

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Pumpkin puree
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken stock

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 7: Elevate the Sauce

Simmer sauce gently.

Remove from heat.

• Parmesan
• Heavy cream
• Maple syrup
• Chopped sage

Step 8: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Return meatballs to the skillet.

Warm them lovingly in the sauce.

Optional: Garnish with crispy sage leaves.

Step 9: Serve with Joy

Nestle meatballs over gnocchi, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce – Kitchen Tips

• Freezing the meatball mixture for 20-25 minutes helps them hold shape and prevents falling apart during cooking.
• Mix meatball ingredients with a light touch to keep the texture tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Adjust chicken stock or cream to achieve your preferred sauce thickness without compromising rich flavor.
• Sear meatballs at medium-high heat initially, then reduce to medium-low for even cooking and beautiful golden exterior.
• Fry fresh sage leaves as a crispy garnish to add an aromatic, sophisticated touch to the final dish.

Style Ideas for Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce

• Chicken Meatball Swap: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Kernel Spheres: Substitute turkey with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils, binding with additional breadcrumbs and egg replacer.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and almond flour, ensuring the meatballs remain tender while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap parmesan with nutritional yeast, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with olive oil for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce with Style

• Hearty Pasta Night Delight: Serve these turkey meatballs over creamy gnocchi for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner experience.
• Rustic Potato Pairing: Spoon the meatballs and rich pumpkin sauce over smooth mashed potatoes, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Arrange meatballs on a decorative platter with toothpicks, offering guests a sophisticated bite-sized appetizer with the luxurious pumpkin sage sauce for dipping.
• Weeknight Family Feast: Transform the dish into a complete meal by adding a crisp side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce.

Storing Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce

• Store cooked turkey meatballs and pumpkin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them separate from other ingredients to maintain optimal texture.
• Pack cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for future quick meals.
• Transfer frozen meatballs and sauce to the refrigerator overnight for safe, gradual thawing. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's original creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Why use breadcrumbs soaked in milk for meatballs?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps create a tender, moist texture by adding moisture and preventing the meatballs from becoming dense or tough during cooking.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for turkey in this recipe. The cooking method and seasoning will remain the same, providing a similar flavor profile.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and fully cooked through.

• Is freezing the meatballs before cooking necessary?

Chilling the meatballs helps them hold their shape, prevents them from falling apart during cooking, and allows for more even browning in the skillet.

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent turkey meatballs infused with pumpkin and sage bring autumnal comfort to your dinner table. Rich Mediterranean flavors combine in this hearty, wholesome dish that wraps you in warmth and seasonal delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs Ingredients:

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 ratio)

Binding & Flavor Enhancers:

• 1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 large whole egg plus 1 yolk
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan

Aromatics & Herbs:

• 0.5 cup finely minced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing and frying

Pumpkin Sage Sauce Ingredients:

Main Base:

• 525g organic pumpkin puree (one 15 ounces can plus 1 cup)
• 1.75 cups chicken stock

Fat & Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Aromatics & Herbs:

• 0.5 cup finely minced onion
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 0

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients for turkey meatballs, ensuring all components are ready and at room temperature.
2. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2-3 minutes to soften, creating a moist base for the meatballs.
3. Incorporate onion, garlic, herbs, parmesan, egg, and seasonings into breadcrumb mixture, blending thoroughly with a fork.
4. Gently fold ground turkey into the mixture, maintaining a light touch to prevent dense meatballs.
5. Chill prepared mixture in freezer for 20-25 minutes to help with shaping and maintaining structure.
6. Roll chilled mixture into uniform balls using lightly dampened hands, ensuring consistent size.
7. Lightly brush meatballs with oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
8. Heat skillet to medium-high, adding oil to create a perfect searing environment.
9. Cook meatballs in batches, reducing heat to medium-low after initial sear to ensure even cooking.
10. Brown meatballs for approximately 10 minutes, rotating periodically until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Remove meatballs and clean skillet for sauce preparation.
12. Melt ghee and oil in skillet, sautéing onions until translucent and softened.
13. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, releasing aromatic flavors.
14. Whisk in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, salt, and pepper to create a smooth sauce base.
15. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and achieve desired consistency.
16. Remove from heat and enrich sauce with parmesan, heavy cream, maple syrup, and fresh sage.
17. Gently return meatballs to sauce, warming through to marry flavors.
18. Optional: Garnish with crispy fried sage leaves for additional texture and visual appeal.
19. Serve over preferred accompaniment like gnocchi, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Meat Selection Choose lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier meatball that stays moist and tender without excess fat.
• Chilling Technique Freezing meatballs briefly helps them hold their shape and prevents falling apart during cooking, ensuring a perfect round texture.
• Handling Mixture Use a light touch when mixing turkey to avoid tough, dense meatballs; overmixing can make them rubbery and compact.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg