# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
02 - 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
05 - 0.25 cup finely chopped yellow onion
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
→ Pumpkin Sage Sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
16 - 1 cup chicken broth
17 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
18 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
20 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
21 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
22 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Serving and Garnish
23 - Fresh sage leaves
24 - Grated Parmesan cheese
25 - Red pepper flakes (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper until just combined without overworking.
02 - Form the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning to ensure even color. Remove and set aside.
04 - Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook finely chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, chopped sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
07 - Carefully add browned meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Cut open a meatball to verify it is fully cooked through.
09 - Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Garnish with fresh sage, extra Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes.
