Quick & Easy Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce brings together the essence of autumn in one incredibly satisfying dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special.

Picture this: tender, herb-infused turkey meatballs nestled in a velvety pumpkin sauce that’s been kissed with fresh sage and just a hint of maple sweetness. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen, drawn by the promise of pure comfort food magic.

There’s something almost magical about the way pumpkin transforms from a simple puree into a luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce. When you combine it with perfectly seasoned ground turkey meatballs, fresh herbs, and a touch of parmesan, you create a meal that feels both elegant and wonderfully homey.

This recipe captures everything we love about fall cooking – warm spices, seasonal ingredients, and that soul-warming satisfaction that only comes from a truly well-crafted dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without the stress. The meatballs stay incredibly moist thanks to the breadcrumb and milk mixture, while the dark meat turkey provides rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy pumpkin sauce.

What I love most is how the fresh sage leaves crisp up when fried, adding both visual appeal and an aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

The sauce itself is pure velvet – creamy but not heavy, with layers of flavor from the garlic, Italian seasoning, and that perfect balance of maple syrup sweetness. It’s sophisticated enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a Tuesday night when you want something special. Explore more comforting fall recipes here for additional seasonal inspiration.

Ingredients List

Find more healthy recipe ideas here to complete your meal planning repertoire with nutritious options that complement this hearty dinner perfectly.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exact Timing to make Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Total Prep & Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 4-6 people

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture (8 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for 2 minutes. Add ground turkey, egg plus yolk, minced onion, pressed garlic, parmesan, chopped sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Cook Meatballs (12 minutes)
Using slightly wet hands, roll mixture into 20-24 meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning carefully to achieve golden color on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Sage Sauce (15 minutes)
In the same skillet, add ghee and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced onion for 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Whisk in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fried sage leaves if desired. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

This Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce recipe provides excellent nutritional value, with each serving delivering over 30 grams of lean protein and significant amounts of vitamin A from the pumpkin puree. The dish is particularly rich in selenium and B-vitamins from the turkey, while the pumpkin contributes beneficial beta-carotene and fiber for digestive health.

Healthier Alternatives

These modifications to Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce can reduce the overall calorie count by approximately 85 calories per serving while maintaining the rich, comforting flavors. For those following keto diets, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour and skip the maple syrup entirely. Paleo followers can use coconut milk instead of dairy and ensure all seasonings are compliant.

Explore more quick & easy recipes here to discover additional wholesome dinner options that fit seamlessly into your healthy meal rotation.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pasta Pairings: Serve Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce over fresh pappardelle, gnocchi, or rigatoni for the ultimate comfort meal. The wide surfaces of these pasta shapes perfectly capture the creamy pumpkin sauce, while the hearty texture complements the tender meatballs beautifully.

Grain-Based Alternatives: For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or wild rice pilaf. These alternatives provide additional fiber and nutrients while allowing the rich flavors of the pumpkin sage sauce to remain the star of the dish.

Bread and Vegetable Accompaniments: Pair with crusty sourdough bread for dipping, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: The biggest mistake when making Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce is overworking the meat mixture. Turkey is naturally leaner than beef, so excessive mixing will result in tough, dense meatballs. Mix ingredients just until combined, using a light hand and stopping as soon as everything is incorporated.

Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pure Pumpkin: Always use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the sauce’s balanced flavor profile. The pure pumpkin allows you to control the sweetness and seasoning levels precisely.

Cooking Meatballs at Too High Heat: High heat will cause the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the interior undercooked. Medium-high heat allows for proper browning while ensuring the meatballs cook evenly throughout, preventing dry or raw centers.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the sage and pumpkin meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezer Storage: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Best Practices: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding small amounts of chicken stock or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

---

• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These tender turkey meatballs simmer in a rich pumpkin sage sauce for the perfect cozy fall dinner. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour, this easy recipe brings all the warmth of autumn to your table. Perfect for recipes with ground turkey or recipes dinner ideas that feel both comforting and gourmet.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 lean to fat ratio)
• 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs or panko
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 large egg plus 1 yolk
• ½ cup finely minced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil for brushing and frying
• 1 (15 ounce) can plus 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 ¾ cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely minced onion
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Fried sage leaves, for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting it sit for 2 minutes. Add turkey, egg plus yolk, onion, garlic, parmesan, sage, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, avoiding overmixing.
2. With damp hands, roll mixture into 20–24 meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown meatballs on all sides for 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt ghee with olive oil. Add minced onion and sauté 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in pumpkin puree, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Simmer 5 minutes, then add heavy cream and parmesan, whisking until smooth.
4. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fried sage leaves and serve hot over pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

For best flavor, use dark meat turkey and fresh sage. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce beautifully. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: recipes with ground turkey, recipes dinner, recipes fall comfort food, recipes easy