Looking for a cozy and flavorful meal to enjoy during the fall season? Look no further than these Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce! This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of savory turkey meatballs and creamy pumpkin sage sauce creates a delicious flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
- With quick prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground turkey (preferably 93% lean): Lean turkey meat adds protein without excess fat, but you can also use ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatballs together. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the meatballs. Feel free to use any other type of hard cheese.
- And so on…
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in olive oil in a skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then add the meatballs back to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Serve the meatballs with the pumpkin sage sauce, garnished with fresh sage leaves, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use ground chicken or turkey breast instead of regular ground turkey.
- Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze them for later use.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste preferences.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To prevent the meatballs from becoming tough, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.
- Fresh sage will give the sauce a more vibrant flavor compared to dried sage.
Serving Suggestions:
These Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce pair perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. A crisp green salad and a glass of white wine would complete the meal beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, the pumpkin sage sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Can I use dried sage instead of fresh? While fresh sage will provide a more robust flavor, dried sage can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste.
Conclusion:
Try this delicious Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce recipe and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for the fall season. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how you liked it!
Print
Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Sauce: A Delicious Fall Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These turkey meatballs with a creamy pumpkin sage sauce are a perfect fall comfort food. The combination of savory turkey, aromatic sage, and creamy pumpkin creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
Pumpkin Sage Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs. Brown in olive oil.
- Make the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic. Add pumpkin, broth, cream, Parmesan, sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Serve meatballs with sauce, garnished with sage, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can serve these meatballs over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in both the meatballs and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg