Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you in the warmth of fall, then these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are just the ticket! This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It combines the comforting flavors of turkey meatballs with a rich, velvety pumpkin sage sauce that feels like a big hug on a chilly evening. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of turkey and pumpkin creates a deliciously savory dish that’s perfect for autumn.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this meal on the table in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the juicy meatballs, and the flavorful sauce makes it appealing for everyone at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, making weeknight dinners even easier.
• Versatile Pairings: Enjoy these meatballs over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on their own as an appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this cozy dish, you’ll want to gather some simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create flavors that celebrate the season. Here’s what you need:

For the Turkey Meatballs

• 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

For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or have specific dietary needs, here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef if turkey isn’t your thing. Each option brings its own unique flavor!
• Add veggies: Mix in some finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan and coconut cream for heavy cream to keep it creamy without dairy.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

Begin by gathering all your turkey meatball ingredients. This step is crucial because having everything organized makes cooking smoother! In a large bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with milk and let them soak for about 3 minutes. This soaking helps create moisture in your meatballs.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Next, add in the minced onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, and both eggs into the breadcrumb mixture. Using a fork, mix everything until well combined. It’s important not to overwork it; we want tender meatballs!

Step 3: Add Ground Turkey

Now it’s time to fold in your ground turkey along with salt and pepper. Gently combine until just mixed; remember that sticky mixture is normal! Scoop out portions using a tablespoon and place them on a platter lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Chill Your Meatballs

Pop those formed meatballs into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Chilling will help them hold their shape when cooking—trust me; this step makes all the difference!

Step 5: Roll Your Meatballs

After chilling, wet your hands lightly with water or oil and roll each portion into smooth balls. This little step ensures they cook evenly.

Step 6: Sear the Meatballs

Brush each meatball lightly with oil before adding them to a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear until browned on all sides—this adds fantastic flavor! Lowering the heat ensures they cook through without burning.

Step 7: Prepare Your Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Once your meatballs are cooked and set aside on a platter, wipe out that skillet! Add ghee (or butter) along with olive oil. After melting together, toss in minced onion and sauté until softened—about 2 minutes.

Step 8: Build Your Sauce

Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant before whisking in pumpkin puree along with salt and pepper. Adding chicken stock will give you that silky sauce texture we crave!

Step 9: Simmer to Perfection

Let your sauce simmer gently for just a couple of minutes to allow those flavors to mingle beautifully. Then remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage.

Step 10: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Finally, return those glorious meatballs back into sauce heaven! Allow them to warm through while soaking up all that deliciousness—just a few minutes will do.

Serve these delightful turkey meatballs over pasta or mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal that brings warmth to any table!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Creating the perfect turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce can be a delightful process, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs provide a better texture and moisture retention, resulting in juicier meatballs. If you don’t have fresh ones, consider using panko for a lighter bite.

• Chill the meatballs: Allowing your formed meatballs to chill in the freezer for 20-25 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking. This step reduces the risk of them falling apart while frying or simmering in the sauce.

• Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough meatballs, so be light-handed when mixing.

• Flavorful sauce: Enhance your pumpkin sage sauce by allowing it to simmer gently. This melds all the flavors together, creating a rich and harmonious sauce that complements the meatballs beautifully.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste your mixture before cooking! This way, you can adjust salt or spices as needed to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Serve Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Presenting your turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce can make a cozy meal even more inviting. Here are some ideas on how to showcase this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Fried sage leaves: Adding crispy fried sage leaves not only enhances presentation but also adds an aromatic crunch that complements the dish’s flavors.
• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish with color and freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base for soaking up that delicious pumpkin sage sauce.
• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and flavor contrast that makes each bite satisfying.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly bitter notes balance out the sweetness of pumpkin while adding a nutritious element to your plate.
• Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta like penne or linguini for a hearty meal that’s easy to share with family and friends. The pasta acts as a lovely canvas for both meatballs and sauce.

Enjoy making your turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce! Each bite is sure to warm your heart this fall season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce are not just delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover turkey meatballs and sauce in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the turkey meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them, covered, for about 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and consider adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep them moist.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about this recipe!

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for the turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will yield similar results. Just ensure it is well-seasoned.

How do I know when my turkey meatballs are done cooking?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer for safety and optimal texture.

Can I make the pumpkin sage sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the meatballs.

What should I serve with turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta like gnocchi, linguini, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.

How do I store leftovers from this recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze as instructed above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these delightful turkey meatballs in pumpkin sage sauce! This dish captures the essence of fall and is sure to warm your heart and home. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience!