Print

Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 138 reviews

These Easy Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, combining lean ground turkey with nutritious pumpkin puree and aromatic spices. Perfectly tender and baked to juicy perfection, they make a great protein-packed meal or appetizer that can be enjoyed baked alone or simmered in a savory sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional for Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Your favorite sauce (for simmering)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together ground turkey, pumpkin puree, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly incorporated.
  2. Add Egg and Mix: Crack in the egg and gently mix all ingredients with clean hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
  5. Optional Searing: For extra browning and flavor, sear the baked meatballs in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, either before or after baking.
  6. Optional Simmering: For enhanced moisture and flavor, simmer the baked meatballs in your favorite sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Using almond flour keeps these meatballs gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain a tender texture.
  • Ensure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • These meatballs freeze well – bake first, then freeze cooled meatballs and reheat when needed.
  • Serving with a sauce adds moisture and flavor but is entirely optional.