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Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Savory Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce: Fall Comfort Food

Enjoy savory meatballs in a rich pumpkin sage sauce, a delightful fall dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Simmering Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Use 93% lean for best flavor and texture.
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Can substitute with regular breadcrumbs.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
  • 1 large Egg Replace with a flax egg for vegan option.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Use shallots for milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred; garlic powder works if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage Dried can be used in lesser amount.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Dried can be used in lesser amount.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil is an alternative.
For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce
  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream as a dairy-free substitute.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Experiment with cinnamon or allspice.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Take a generous tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1.5-inch meatball. Place each meatball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat and add more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, and more grated Parmesan to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic.
  6. Simmer the sauce gently over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Adjust the seasoning of the sauce by adding salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Gently add the browned meatballs back into the sauce, cover, and let them simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes.
  9. Serve your Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce over pasta, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal results, avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients and make sure to use pure pumpkin for the sauce.

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