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Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Savory Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Delight in tender turkey meatballs enveloped in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce – a perfect fall comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Provides a lean protein base.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Opt for gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can be skipped or replaced with nutritional yeast.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; substitute with flaxseed meal for vegan.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, infuses flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Enhances aroma; fresh works too.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For frying.
For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce
  • 1 15 oz Canned Pumpkin Puree Avoid pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with coconut milk.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Replace with dairy-free for vegan option.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped.
  • 1 tsp Nutmeg Elevates pumpkin flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Sage Use dried sage in smaller amounts.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, blend together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream, whisking to combine.
  3. Increase heat to bring to a gentle simmer, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add fresh sage and nutmeg, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or sweet potato mash.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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