Savory Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Thanksgiving is that magical time of year when kitchens transform into bustling hubs of delicious chaos. Picture this: your family gathers around, the aroma of roasted turkey wafts through the air, and a cozy pumpkin sage sauce simmers quietly on the stove. classic Thanksgiving appetizer But hold on—what if I told you there’s an even better way to enjoy those classic Thanksgiving flavors? Enter Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce, a dish that’ll have you dreaming about seconds before you even take your first bite. traditional Thanksgiving dessert. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry turkey stuffing balls recipe.

These meatballs are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of everything we love about autumn—warm spices, hearty textures, and that unmistakable feeling of togetherness. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or main course, they’re bound to steal the spotlight at your Thanksgiving feast. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!

I remember the first time I made these turkey meatballs for my family during Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin Jake, who usually opts for dry turkey slices, couldn’t stop raving about them—they were gone before I could even grab a second helping!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is perfect for meatballs; it keeps them moist while adding a healthy touch.

• Fresh Sage: Use fresh sage leaves for an aromatic punch; they elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

• Pumpkin Puree: Canned or fresh pumpkin puree adds creaminess and seasonal flair—just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives.

• Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs; they soak up moisture without overpowering other flavors.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings richness and umami; don’t skimp on quality for this recipe.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together; they add richness and moisture to the meatballs.

• Onion and Garlic: Finely chop these aromatic staples to infuse flavor throughout the meatball mixture.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while enhancing the sauce’s depth.

• Cream or Coconut Milk: For added creaminess in the sauce, choose heavy cream or coconut milk depending on dietary preference.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped sage. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

Shape into Meatballs: Wet your hands slightly (this prevents sticking) and roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown—don’t crowd the pan!

Prepare the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until translucent before stirring in garlic. Cook until fragrant.

Add Pumpkin and Broth: Pour in pumpkin puree and chicken broth while stirring well. Bring to a simmer, then season with salt and pepper before returning browned meatballs back into the sauce.

Simmer Until Cooked Through: Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). The sauce will thicken and create a beautiful coating.

Now that you have these fantastic Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce ready to go, gather your loved ones around—the real feast begins! Serve them alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting holiday meal everyone will adore. perfect Thanksgiving side dish. For more inspiration, check out this creamy Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing turkey and spices for meatballs while preheating your oven. Simultaneously, prepare the pumpkin sauce on the stove to ensure everything is ready at once for a smooth serving experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out turkey for chicken or even vegetarian options like lentils. You can also experiment with spices; try adding nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra holiday kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth for moisture.

Thanksgiving dinner was always an adventure in my house. One year, I accidentally made my turkey meatballs too spicy for Grandma, who thought she was eating candy instead of dinner!

FAQ

Can I freeze Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce?

hearty pumpkin soup option.

Yes, they freeze well; just store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

What can I serve with these turkey meatballs?

Pair them with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked through.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

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• Author: Valentina Rossi
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce offer a delightful twist on classic holiday flavors. These tender, juicy meatballs, infused with aromatic sage and enveloped in a creamy pumpkin sauce, are perfect for any festive gathering. Simple to prepare and bursting with seasonal goodness, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them as an appetizer or main course, and watch them disappear from the table!

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Wet your hands slightly and roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown; avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. In the same skillet, sauté remaining onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the skillet and cover; let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg