Description
Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a velvety, savory pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage and thyme — the ultimate cozy fall comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (sage, thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, sage, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for 6–7 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in pumpkin purée, broth, cream, sage, and smoked paprika. Simmer 5 minutes until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return meatballs to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh sage and thyme. Serve over pasta, rice, or polenta.
Notes
For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey and substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used. Store leftovers up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet + Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: pumpkin, sage, meatballs, fall, comfort food, turkey recipe