Irresistible Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sauce

Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce wafting through your home. The rich blend of savory turkey and creamy pumpkin, brightened with fresh sage, creates an irresistible dish that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket on a chilly day. creamy pumpkin soup Turkey and stuffing roll ups Each bite bursts with flavor, while the sauce envelops the juicy meatballs like a delicious hug from Grandma. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving stuffing balls recipe recipe.

Now picture gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter over this delightful dish. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sharing this recipe brought smiles and compliments from my friends during last year’s Thanksgiving dinner; they couldn’t get enough of these tasty meatballs.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; it adds creaminess and seasonal flavor.

• Fresh Sage: Choose vibrant green leaves; they impart a wonderful earthy aroma to the sauce.

• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for structure in your meatballs.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for richer flavor; it melts beautifully in the meatballs.

• Egg: A large egg binds everything together and gives moisture to your meatballs.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile; don’t skip this!

• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to both meatballs and sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding moisture.

• Sour Cream: Optional but recommended for added creaminess in the sauce.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing and drizzling over dishes before serving; it adds richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overworking it to keep meatballs tender.

Shape Your Meatballs: With clean hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. They should be uniform to ensure even cooking.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides—about 4-5 minutes per batch—then transfer them to a plate while you prepare the sauce.

Create the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed then sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 3 minutes. Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth; simmer for about 5 minutes until well blended.

Add Meatballs to Sauce : Gently place your seared meatballs into the pumpkin sage sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer together on low heat for 15-20 minutes so that flavors meld beautifully.

Serve It Up!: Once cooked through, serve these delightful meatballs hot over pasta or alongside crusty bread. Drizzle with sour cream if desired for extra richness.

Enjoy every bite of your Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce! pumpkin pie twists.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve juicy turkey meatballs, start by mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Form them into balls and sear them in a hot skillet before simmering in pumpkin sage sauce for maximum flavor retention.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or even add some chopped spinach for extra nutrients. A sprinkle of nutmeg could elevate the sauce’s warmth, making it even more holiday-worthy.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my family’s Thanksgiving dinners; they never expected turkey could be so versatile. roast turkey recipe The laughter around the table as we enjoyed these meatballs is something I cherish.

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef provides richer flavors but may alter the dish’s overall lightness.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of turkey with creamy pumpkin and fragrant sage. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these meatballs are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, while the rich sauce envelops the meatballs like a comforting hug. Whether as an appetizer or main course, this recipe will create memorable moments around your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches for about 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté garlic and onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth; simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Gently add seared meatballs into the sauce and cover. Let them simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing/Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 3 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 85mg