Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce — cooking, easy recipes for a Cozy Holiday Meal

This joyful, cozy dish brings Thanksgiving flavors to the weeknight table with minimal fuss. The recipe pairs tender turkey meatballs with a silky pumpkin cream sauce that tastes like a small holiday celebration in every bite. For home cooks who love cooking, easy recipes that impress, these meatballs deliver big flavor in about 35 minutes.

Why this recipe works

The secret to tender, flavorful poultry meatballs is a few simple choices. Using regular ground turkey rather than ground turkey breast keeps the meat moist because it contains both dark and white meat. Swapping plain breadcrumbs for crushed seasoned stuffing mix adds instant Thanksgiving character without extra work. Finally, searing the meatballs in plenty of olive oil creates a beautiful crust and adds richness the turkey alone might lack. This is comfort food that proves cooking, easy recipes can still be elevated and festive.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey (not ground turkey breast)
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika

For the sauce

• 1/4 cup olive oil (or 2 tbsp if searing in batches)
• 2 shallots, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Handful of sage leaves
• 3/4 to 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and plenty of black pepper

Step by step

1. Make seasoned breadcrumbs by pulsing dry stuffing cubes in a food processor until fine. Measure about 1/2 cup.
2. Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with clean hands and form into bite sized meatballs. One pound yields roughly 18 to 20 meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Sear meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding so they develop a golden crust. Brown on most sides, then remove to a plate. They will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. Sauté shallots and garlic in the same skillet. Add whole sage leaves and let them crisp for extra aroma and flavor. Remove a couple of crispy sage leaves to garnish if desired.
5. Add pumpkin puree, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Whisk to combine, season with salt and lots of black pepper, and avoid too much nutmeg so the sauce stays savory rather than sweet.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, partially cover, bring to a gentle bubble, then simmer about 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a root vegetable mash for a cozy autumnal plate.

Tips and variations

• Breadcrumb swap: Crushed seasoned stuffing mix makes fast, flavorful breadcrumbs and adds classic Thanksgiving herbs in one step.
• Choose the right turkey: Use regular ground turkey rather than ground turkey breast to keep meatballs juicy.
• Oil matters: A generous splash of olive oil prevents dryness when searing poultry meatballs.
• Keep it savory: Use plenty of black pepper and skip or use only a whisper of nutmeg to avoid pumpkin pie vibes. This keeps the sauce rich and savory while still showing autumn sweetness.
• Make ahead: Meatballs can be browned, cooled, and refrigerated for a day. Reheat in the sauce until warmed through.

Serving suggestions and storage

These turkey meatballs shine over buttery egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or a parsnip and potato mash for an autumnal plate. Garnish with crispy sage leaves and extra parsley. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop so the cream sauce stays silky. The recipe is also freezer friendly; freeze cooked meatballs in sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final thoughts

This recipe proves that cooking, easy recipes can still feel special. With simple swaps like seasoned stuffing breadcrumbs and the comforting duo of pumpkin and cream, this dish brings holiday warmth to any night of the week. It is fast to pull together, richly flavored, and perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive months.

This article was created from the video Turkey Meatballs - Perfect for Thanksgiving! with the help of AI.

Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce — cooking, easy recipes for a Cozy Holiday Meal. There are any Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce — cooking, easy recipes for a Cozy Holiday Meal in here.