Savory Pumpkin Sage Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These savory pumpkin sage turkey meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich pumpkin puree and fragrant fresh sage. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden brown, they make a comforting and healthy meal option that pairs wonderfully with pasta or your favorite sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, pumpkin puree, chopped fresh sage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a consistent mixture.
- Form Meatballs: Using about two tablespoons of the mixture, scoop and roll it between your palms to form evenly sized meatballs. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and be golden brown on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve warm. They pair excellently with your favorite sauce or served over pasta for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh sage for a brighter flavor, but dried sage can be substituted at half the amount.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed to adjust the recipe to gluten-free diets.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
- These meatballs can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, pumpkin sage meatballs, healthy meatballs, baked turkey meatballs, savory pumpkin recipe
