Save Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.
I first made this dish on a chilly fall evening and it quickly became a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, beaten, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree, 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage), 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil
- For Serving (Optional): Cooked pasta or rice, Extra Parmesan cheese, Fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce:
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Pumpkin and Broth:
- Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, turning them gently to coat with the sauce.
- Simmer Together:
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Save This recipe always brings my family together on chilly evenings, sharing warmth and good food.
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Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Rest Time
5 minutes
Save 
Enjoy this easy, delicious dish that fills your home with cozy fall aromas.
Common Questions
- → How do you ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Mix the ground turkey gently with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to avoid compacting. Baking at moderate heat helps keep them juicy.
- → Can I use other herbs instead of sage?
Fresh thyme or rosemary can be excellent alternatives, offering different aromatic notes suited for pumpkin dishes.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes complement the creamy pumpkin sauce perfectly, absorbing its flavors.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
- → How can I add a spicy touch to the sauce?
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper stirred into the sauce will add subtle warmth without overpowering.
