Easy Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sauce (Print Version)

Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce with warm autumn flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
04 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp milk

→ Pumpkin Sage Sauce

10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1¾ cups pumpkin purée (canned or fresh)
14 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
15 - ½ cup heavy cream
16 - 1½ tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
17 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
19 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk; mix gently until just combined.
03 - Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 small meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
05 - While baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
06 - Add pumpkin purée, broth, cream, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; stir and simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
08 - Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
09 - Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra sage or Parmesan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting autumn flavors
  • Gluten-free option available
02 -
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture for tender meatballs.
03 -
  • Chill the meatball mixture before shaping to make rolling easier.
  • Use fresh sage if possible for the best flavor.
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