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Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

This delicious recipe features tender ground turkey meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy pumpkin sage sauce. The combination of aromatic herbs like sage and thyme with the velvety pumpkin puree creates a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for fall. Served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta, these meatballs make a hearty main course or a delightful appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together, but be careful not to overwork the mixture. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop about 1-inch in diameter, form the mixture into roughly 24 meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Brown them on all sides about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and heat over medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Pumpkin Puree and Broth: Stir in the pumpkin puree and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  6. Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh sage, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Continue to simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and can coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the browned meatballs into the pumpkin sage sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged.
  9. Simmer Until Cooked Through: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has further thickened.
  10. Check for Doneness: Cut a meatball open to ensure no pink remains. If needed, continue simmering a few more minutes.
  11. Serve: Serve the meatballs and pumpkin sage sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
  • You can prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before browning.
  • Leftover sauce and meatballs store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and skip Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage sauce, autumn recipe, comfort food, creamy pumpkin sauce, healthy meatballs, fall dinner

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/meatballs-with-pumpkin-sage-sauce-recipe/