Save Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.
I first served this turkey meatballs recipe during fall and it quickly became a family favorite, perfect for cozy evenings.
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
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form:
- Shape the mixture into 1 inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Heat Sauce:
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Combine Sauce:
- Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Meatballs:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, turning them gently to coat with the sauce.
- Simmer:
- 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 often leads to heartwarming family dinners, with everyone asking for seconds and sharing stories over each bite.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl baking sheet parchment paper large skillet measuring cups and spoons spatula or wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (Parmesan, cream) Egg Gluten (breadcrumbs unless gluten free option is used) Always check product labels if you have severe allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 450 Total Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 25 g Protein 32 g per serving
Save This dish can be quickly doubled for larger gatherings and keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will produce similarly tender meatballs.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
Including breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan helps retain moisture. Avoid overbaking and cook until just golden.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes to complement the rich sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs gluten-free without affecting texture.
- → Can I add a spicy note to the sauce?
A pinch of red pepper flakes added while simmering enhances the sauce with a gentle heat.