Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 10 Delicious Fall Flavors

This Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce takes humble ground turkey and transforms it into tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a velvety pumpkin sauce that’s kissed with sage, garlic, and just a hint of maple sweetness. It’s basically sweater weather in a bowl—and yes, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort while it cooks.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, entertaining guests, or just need a “treat yourself” dinner after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes: flavorful, cozy, and deceptively easy.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• It’s fall in every bite. Pumpkin, sage, and maple? Enough said.
• Weeknight-friendly. Despite its gourmet vibe, the steps are straightforward and forgiving.
• Versatile serving options. Pile these over pasta, gnocchi, mashed potatoes, or even spaghetti squash if you’re keeping it lighter.
• Kid-approved. The creamy sauce is smooth and mild, with just enough flavor to feel special without scaring off little taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey Meatballs

• 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• ½ cup finely minced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 large whole egg + 1 yolk
• 1 ½ pounds ground turkey (dark meat, 93/7 lean-to-fat)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil, for frying

For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely minced onion
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can + 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups chicken stock
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Fried sage leaves, optional garnish

How To Make Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce

1. Prep the Meatballs

Start by soaking your breadcrumbs in milk for a couple of minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, herbs, parmesan, and the egg mixture. Add the turkey, salt, and pepper, then mix gently (don’t overwork it—just until combined).

Scoop out portions with a 2-tablespoon scoop, set them on a parchment-lined tray, and pop them in the freezer for 20–25 minutes. This helps them hold their shape.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Roll them into neat rounds with damp hands, brush lightly with oil, and sear them in a hot skillet. Lower the heat and cook until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest.

3. Make the Pumpkin Sage Sauce

In the same skillet, melt ghee and oil. Add onion, sauté until soft, then stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Whisk in pumpkin puree, salt, pepper, and chicken stock until smooth. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.

Remove from heat, then whisk in parmesan, cream, maple syrup, and chopped sage.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestle them in that luscious sauce, and let them warm through. Garnish with fried sage if you’re feeling fancy. Serve over your carb of choice—or go rogue with roasted veggies for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips

• Sticky hands hack: Lightly oil or wet your hands when rolling the meatballs to keep things from getting messy.
• Make-ahead magic: Freeze the raw shaped meatballs on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen (just add a few minutes).
• Adjusting thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, splash in more chicken stock. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer—it will naturally thicken.

A Little Kitchen Confession

The first time I tested this Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce, I had a toddler hanging off one hip and emails blowing up my phone. Honestly, I was convinced dinner would be cereal. But then—magic. These turkey meatballs simmering in pumpkin sage sauce turned the evening around. Even my picky eater (who thinks “green things” are evil) asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.

FAQs About Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Bringing It All Together

If you’re looking for a meal that feels both comforting and elevated, these Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce are it. Simple enough for a weeknight, yet cozy enough to impress dinner guests, this dish is everything we love about fall in one skillet.

So grab your pumpkin puree, roll up those sleeves, and let the slow simmer of sage and garlic work its magic. Trust me—this recipe will find its way into your fall dinner rotation faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Turkey Meatballs with Pumpkin Sage Sauce, here are some other comforting and seasonal dishes you might want to try next:

• Warm up with this hearty Autumn Harvest Beef Stew, perfect for chilly nights when you need a big bowl of comfort.
• Keep the pumpkin vibes going with a creamy and satisfying Crockpot Pumpkin Chili that’s a true fall dinner staple.
• For a slightly lighter but still cozy option, you’ll love the flavors in this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole.
• And don’t forget dessert—this decadent Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu is the sweetest way to end your meal.

These recipes are just the start of your fall cooking adventure! 🍂 If you try this dish, I’d love for you to leave a review and let me know how it turned out. And for even more cozy recipe inspiration, make sure to follow us on Pinterest—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!