Ah, autumn! There’s something magical about this season, isn’t there? The leaves transform into a tapestry of warm colors, the air becomes crisp, and the comforting aroma of fall spices wafts through kitchens everywhere. It’s in this cozy atmosphere that I find myself dreaming up hearty, soul-warming dishes to savor with family and friends. One of my absolute favorites is Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce. This dish embodies everything I love about fall: comforting, savory, and just a little bit nostalgic. I remember making a version of this with my grandmother, who would often include sage from her garden, filling our home with that unmistakable earthy aroma. Today, I want to share this special recipe with you, inviting you into my kitchen to create your own delicious memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: The rich pumpkin sauce paired with savory turkey is just divine.
• Healthy Twist: Lean turkey meatballs and nutrient-rich pumpkin make this satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (trust me, fresh is better!)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce:
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps, and soon your kitchen will smell heavenly!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs will be tough!
3. Form the Meatballs: Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to turn them halfway through for an even bake.
5. Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The smell of sautéed onion is simply irresistible!
6. Add the Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, until everything is combined and heated through.
7. Combine: Once the meatballs are ready, carefully add them to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs, letting them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the meatballs soak up all that delicious flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the turkey meatballs hot, drizzled with plenty of that velvety pumpkin sage sauce. If you want to make it extra cozy, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some fun twists and my go-to tips to elevate the dish!

• Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
• Herb Swaps: Try mixing in thyme or rosemary instead of sage for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meatball mix for a boost of nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

This comforting dish is so versatile! I love to serve my Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce over a bed of fluffy quinoa or creamy polenta—both absorb that luscious sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for a more traditional route, serve it up with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness and round out the meal perfectly.

Storage Tips

Want to make this dish ahead of time? No problem! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
• Freeze: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them cool before freezing.
• Reheat: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQ: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fantastic substitute. Just keep an eye out for any differences in cooking time.

FAQ: What if I don’t have fresh sage?

No worries at all! Dried sage works perfectly; just use about a third of the amount. Remember, dried herbs are more potent than fresh!

FAQ: Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?

Of course! Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs at your grocery store, or even better, use crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute. They’ll work wonders!

FAQ: Can I make this vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground turkey with a mix of mushrooms and lentils or using plant-based ground meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friend: a heartwarming recipe for Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table this fall. I’d love to hear how your cooking adventure goes! Are there any special twists you plan to add? Feel free to comment below and share your experience or favorite fall recipes. Remember, the kitchen is where magic happens, and every meal is an opportunity to create warmth and happiness. Happy cooking!

Savory Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor turkey meatballs simmered in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce A delicious twist for a cozy meal Perfect for fall dining or a hearty feast

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, minced

1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Shape the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for an even bake.

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it for about 5 minutes.

Carefully add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve hot, drizzled with the pumpkin sage sauce and sprinkle with more Parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking and Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Turkey Meatballs, Pumpkin Sage Sauce, Fall Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner