Save Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy, aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.
I love making these turkey meatballs because they are full of flavor yet light enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make 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 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare 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.
- Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients:
- 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:
- 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 around the table on chilly evenings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories with 25 g of fat and 32 g of protein.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy egg and gluten unless gluten free alternatives are used.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl baking sheet parchment paper large skillet measuring cups and spoons spatula or wooden spoon
Save This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner year round.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the meatballs tender?
Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Baking at 375°F until golden ensures juiciness.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with other meats?
Yes, ground chicken or lean pork work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- → What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and smooth pumpkin sage sauce.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes during simmering adds a gentle heat to complement the autumn flavors.
- → How can I serve this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.