Savory Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs Recipe
These Savory Pumpkin Meatballs combine lean ground turkey with seasonal pumpkin puree and warm spices, baked to tender perfection. This unique recipe offers a healthy twist on classic meatballs, perfect for cozy dinners. The addition of cinnamon, brown sugar, and spices gives these meatballs an unexpected depth of flavor balanced by the savory notes of garlic and pepper, making them an ideal main dish served with marinara sauce over pasta or in a sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 26 meatballs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1⅓ pounds ground turkey, 90 to 94% lean
- ¾ cup canned 100% pumpkin puree
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Sauce
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything is evenly combined and sticky, which usually takes about 30 seconds. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 26 light and fluffy meatballs. If the mixture feels too sticky or difficult to shape, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake first side: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes on one side. This initial baking helps set their shape and start cooking through.
- Turn and bake second side: Carefully flip the meatballs over and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven once done. If moisture collects on the baking sheet, discard it carefully when transferring the meatballs.
- Serve: Transfer the baked meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce (optional). Serve warm over spaghetti squash, whole-grain penne, or on a whole grain crusty roll for a deliciously savory pumpkin meatball grinder.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid toughness.
- If meatball mixture is too sticky to handle, chilling it makes shaping easier.
- Adjust the baking time slightly based on your oven to ensure meatballs are fully cooked.
- Serving with marinara sauce adds moisture and enhances flavor but can be omitted for a drier preparation.
- This recipe works well with other lean ground meats such as chicken or lean beef.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/savory-pumpkin-turkey-meatballs-recipe/
