Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage

Featured in: Comfort Food

These tender turkey meatballs are baked to golden perfection and simmered in a creamy pumpkin sage sauce. The sauce combines pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh sage, enhanced by warm nutmeg and black pepper. Served over pasta or rice, this dish offers a comforting, aromatic dinner ideal for crisp autumn evenings. Simple to prepare, it balances rich flavors with lean protein and creamy textures.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:29:00 GMT
Juicy turkey meatballs swimming in a creamy, vibrant pumpkin sage sauce, ready to eat. Save
Juicy turkey meatballs swimming in a creamy, vibrant pumpkin sage sauce, ready to eat. | bakozy.com

Tender turkey meatballs paired with a creamy aromatic pumpkin sage sauce—perfect for a comforting autumn dinner.

I first served this to my family on a chilly fall evening and it quickly became a favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

  • For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg beaten 2 cloves garlic minced 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pumpkin puree 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage) 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For Serving (Optional): Cooked pasta or rice Extra Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix meatball ingredients:
In a large bowl combine ground turkey breadcrumbs Parmesan beaten egg garlic parsley salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Form meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1 inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake meatballs:
Bake for 20 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Heat olive oil:
While the meatballs bake heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add pumpkin and broth:
Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add sauce ingredients:
Stir in heavy cream Parmesan sage nutmeg salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add meatballs to sauce:
Add the baked meatballs to the skillet turning them gently to coat with the sauce.
Simmer meatballs:
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Golden-brown turkey meatballs coated in rich sauce with pumpkin and sage, perfect for dinner. Save
Golden-brown turkey meatballs coated in rich sauce with pumpkin and sage, perfect for dinner. | bakozy.com

My family gathers around the table savoring these meatballs makes every meal special and cozy.

Notes

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth. For a spicy kick add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper Large skillet Measuring cups and spoons Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (Parmesan cream) Egg Gluten (breadcrumbs unless gluten free option is used). Always check product labels if you have severe allergies.

A comforting close-up: flavorful turkey meatballs bathed in a warm pumpkin sage sauce. Save
A comforting close-up: flavorful turkey meatballs bathed in a warm pumpkin sage sauce. | bakozy.com

Enjoy these flavorful meatballs as a perfect autumn comfort meal.

Recipe FAQ

What makes the pumpkin sage sauce creamy?

The creamy texture comes from heavy cream combined with pumpkin puree and Parmesan cheese, which create a rich, smooth sauce.

Can I bake the meatballs in advance?

Yes, meatballs can be baked ahead of time, frozen, and gently reheated in the sauce before serving to save time.

What sides go well with this dish?

Cooked pasta or rice complement the flavorful meatballs and sauce, absorbing the creamy pumpkin goodness.

How can I add a spicy note to this dish?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pumpkin sage sauce offers a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the flavors.

Is there a gluten-free option for the meatballs?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin Sage

Juicy turkey meatballs in a creamy pumpkin and sage sauce, perfect for cozy autumn meals.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
30 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications None specified

Components

Turkey Meatballs

01 1 lb ground turkey
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 large egg, beaten
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

01 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
02 1 cup chicken broth
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
06 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional for Serving

01 Cooked pasta or rice
02 Extra Parmesan cheese
03 Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare meatball mixture: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; mix gently until just combined.

Phase 03

Shape meatballs: Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Phase 04

Bake meatballs: Bake meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Phase 05

Prepare sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Phase 06

Combine pumpkin and broth: Add pumpkin puree and chicken broth to the skillet; stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Phase 07

Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 08

Coat meatballs in sauce: Add baked meatballs to the skillet and turn gently to coat with sauce.

Phase 09

Simmer meatballs: Simmer meatballs in sauce for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Phase 10

Serve: Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or rice; garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan, cream), egg, gluten (unless gluten-free breadcrumbs used)

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 450
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 32 g