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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

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Savor fall’s best flavors with these tender Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce—juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a velvety pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage, parmesan, and a touch of maple sweetness. Perfect for chilly nights, holiday meals, or an indulgent weeknight treat.

Ingredients

  • For the Turkey Meatballs:
  • 1 ½ cups slightly heaping fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ cup finely minced onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (preferably dark meat, 93/7)
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing/frying
  • For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup finely minced onion
  • 6 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 (15 oz) can + 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken stock
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • Fried sage leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add onion, garlic, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, parmesan, egg + yolk. Mix to combine.
  3. Gently fold in ground turkey, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Scoop and portion meatballs. Freeze for 25 minutes to firm.
  5. Roll meatballs, brush with oil, and sear in a skillet until golden and cooked to 165°F internal temp.
  6. For the sauce: Sauté onion in butter and oil until soft.
  7. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, then stir in pumpkin, salt, pepper, and chicken stock. Whisk until smooth and simmer.
  8. Finish sauce with parmesan, cream, maple syrup, and sage.
  9. Return meatballs to skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer to meld flavors.
  10. Serve over gnocchi, pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.

Notes

  • Swap turkey for ground chicken.
  • Add crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
  • Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • Great over roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower mash for low-carb options.
  • Fried sage leaves make a stunning garnish and add crisp texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/turkey-meatballs-in-pumpkin-sage-sauce/