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As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's no better time to embrace the flavors of the season than with our Pumpkin Sage Turkey Meatballs. This delightful recipe encapsulates the essence of autumn through a harmonious blend of ground turkey and pumpkin, enhanced with aromatic sage, nutmeg, and a touch of garlic. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, these meatballs are not only simple to prepare but also brimming with nutrition and flavor. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the ingredients and initial steps needed to create this unforgettable dish that celebrates the richness of fall.

Pumpkin Sage Turkey Meatballs

Embrace the flavors of autumn with these Savory Pumpkin Sage Turkey Meatballs, a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. Combining lean ground turkey with nutritious pumpkin, aromatic sage, and just the right mix of spices, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Simple to make and full of nutritional benefits, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your fall recipe collection. Enjoy the essence of fall in every bite!

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or panko)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, sage, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

      Form Meatballs: With your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re evenly spaced apart.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add half of the meatballs to the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden crust. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.

          Bake: Once all meatballs are seared, transfer them back to the baking sheet (if you haven’t already) and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

            Serve: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving. These pumpkin sage turkey meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, atop a warm bed of mashed potatoes, or with a side of your favorite sauce, like marinara or creamy garlic.

              Garnish: Optional: Garnish with additional fresh sage or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and presentation.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6