Pin It Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—an easy, comforting dish perfect for fall or any cozy evening.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in our household during cool autumn nights.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the 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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
- Step 3:
- Shape mixture into 16–18 small meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- 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.
- Step 7:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 2–3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra sage or Parmesan if desired.
Pin It My family loves gathering around this warm dish, especially during chilly evenings when comfort food matters most.
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
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk (Parmesan cream), and gluten (breadcrumbs). For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.
Pin It Enjoy this simple but delicious recipe any day you crave a cozy, homemade meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground chicken for the turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a lean alternative and maintains a tender texture similar to turkey.
- → How do I make the sauce dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version without compromising on creaminess.
- → What is the best way to bake the meatballs evenly?
Shape meatballs uniformly, place them on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced apart, and bake at 400°F until golden and cooked through.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can shape and bake the meatballs ahead of time; store them refrigerated and gently reheat in the sauce before serving.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice complement the rich pumpkin sage sauce and tender meatballs perfectly, making for a hearty meal.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
By using gluten-free breadcrumbs, this dish can be made gluten-free while preserving its texture and flavor.