Pin Recipe 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, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.
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 Recipe This meal often brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter after a busy day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a heartier meal that will satisfy everyone.
Variations
Try substituting ground chicken for turkey or make a dairy-free version using coconut cream and omitting Parmesan.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge and reheat beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
Pin Recipe A simple, delicious dish that warms the heart and fills the belly with seasonal flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground chicken for turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute, providing a similarly mild flavor and tender texture.
- → How can I make the dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan cheese to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
- → What sides pair best with this dish?
This dish pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice to complement its rich flavors.
- → How do I ensure meatballs stay tender?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and bake meatballs until just cooked through to maintain their juiciness.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors develop well when refrigerated overnight, and leftovers keep up to three days in the fridge.