Description
These Pumpkin Sage Meatballs combine lean ground turkey or chicken with seasonal pumpkin puree and aromatic fresh sage, creating a flavorful and moist dish perfect for any occasion. They are browned in a skillet for a crispy exterior, then baked to ensure they are perfectly cooked through. Served with marinara sauce, they make a delightful appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs after browning.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the pumpkin puree and mix until well blended to create a moist base. Then add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped sage, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into balls about one inch in diameter. You should have approximately 18-20 meatballs for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are evenly browned with a crispy outer layer.
- Bake Meatballs: Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and moist inside.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping or as a topping for pasta, sandwiches, or salads.
Notes
- Using ground turkey or chicken keeps the meatballs lean and healthy.
- Fresh sage adds an aromatic and earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet while browning to prevent steaming instead of crisping.
- Baking after browning ensures the meatballs are cooked through without drying out.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked poultry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin sage meatballs, turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs, autumn recipes, healthy meatballs, baked meatballs, savory meatballs
