Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce The Best 30 Minute Comfort Food
These incredible turkey meatballs in creamy pumpkin sage sauce are the ultimate 30-minute comfort food! Perfectly tender meatballs bathed in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that tastes gourmet but comes together effortlessly. This amazing fall dinner will become your new family favorite!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Turkey Meatballs
- 1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs or panko slightly heaping
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 0.5 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 large egg plus 1 additional yolk
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey preferably 93/7 dark meat
- 1.25 teaspoons sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Pumpkin Sage Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup finely minced yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 15 ounce pumpkin puree plus 1 cup additional, not pumpkin pie filling
- 1.75 cups chicken stock
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup pure
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture by combining breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let soak for 2-3 minutes to create a panade for ultimate moisture.
- Add onion, garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and eggs to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well combined.
- Gently incorporate ground turkey, salt, and pepper using your hands. Mix just until combined - do not overwork. The mixture will be sticky.
- Portion meatballs using a 2-tablespoon scoop onto a lined baking sheet. Chill in freezer for 20 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature), about 10 minutes total.
- Create the amazing pumpkin sage sauce in the same skillet, then return meatballs to warm through. Serve immediately over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For incredibly tender meatballs, handle the mixture gently and don't skip the chilling step. The pumpkin sauce can be thinned with additional chicken stock if needed. This fantastic recipe is easily doubled for meal prep or crowds!