Can I substitute the turkey?

Absolutely. Chicken or ground beef works beautifully, though the flavor will shift a bit.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! Freeze them before adding to the sauce for the best texture. Then just reheat in the sauce when ready.

How do I store leftovers?

Place meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Swap heavy cream for coconut milk. Just note it’ll add a mild coconut flavor.

What should I serve this with?

Pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even stuffed inside a warm pita.

Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce: 5 Irresistible Comfort Bites

Description

Cozy, creamy, and packed with fall flavor, these Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce make the perfect comforting dinner. Tender turkey meatballs simmer in a velvety pumpkin-sage cream sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pumpkin Sage Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add baked meatballs to the sauce, gently coating each one.
Simmer another 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.

Notes

Don’t overmix the turkey mixture — it keeps the meatballs tender.
Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Swap turkey with chicken or beef if desired.
Dairy-free option: use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Great for meal prep — the sauce tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked + Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg