Name: Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb ground turkey; ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 egg, lightly beaten; Chopped parsley (optional for topping); 8 oz package baby Bella mushrooms, sliced; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 tablespoons flour; 3 cups chicken broth; ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Everything but the Leftovers seasoning or poultry seasoning; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped or torn

Jump to Recipe·4 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that brings warmth and a touch of seasonal magic to your table, look no further than this Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. The juicy turkey meatballs infused with real pumpkin, fragrant herbs, and warming spices pair beautifully with a rich, velvety mushroom gravy. It’s a perfect meal for chilly nights when you want something cozy yet wholesome. Plus, this recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several distinct layers of ingredients. The bottom layer shows a light yellow beaten egg mixture pooling at the base. Above that, on the right, there is a large portion of pale pink ground meat with a soft texture. To the upper right side, some small green herb leaves are scattered on top of the meat. Near the top left, an orange-brown dollop of smooth pumpkin puree rests next to a pile of fine beige breadcrumbs on the left edge. A sprinkling of dark red paprika powder and a small amount of black pepper create a spicy contrast on the breadcrumbs. In the center, tiny white minced garlic pieces sit atop these layers, completing the mix before blending. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role—whether it’s building flavor, adding moisture, or creating the perfect texture. Here’s a handy list that breaks down why each component is essential in crafting these delightful meatballs and their luscious gravy.

Ground turkey: This lean protein serves as the base, keeping meatballs tender and healthy.
Canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, a subtle sweetness, and a beautiful golden color while enhancing softness.
Panko breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs without weighing them down, offering a light texture.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savory notes with mild depth.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle warmth and smoky flavor that elevates every bite.
Fresh sage (or dried): Provides an earthy, slightly peppery herbaceousness perfect for fall dishes.
Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic intensifies the aroma and flavor complexity.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder helping the meatballs hold their shape.
Baby Bella mushrooms: The star ingredient for the gravy, creating richness and texture.
Butter and flour: Classic components that start the roux for thickening the gravy to silky perfection.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and forms the base of the comforting sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami and subtle tanginess to brighten the mushroom gravy.
Everything but the Leftovers or poultry seasoning: A spice mix that complements the herbs and mushrooms beautifully.

How to Make Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your meatballs cook evenly and won’t stick when baking. Getting this ready early means the rest of the process flows smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, pumpkin puree, panko breadcrumbs, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, finely chopped fresh sage, minced garlic, and beaten egg. The key here is to mix just until everything comes together to keep your meatballs tender rather than tough. Resist the urge to overwork the mixture!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into about 30 small meatballs, roughly 25 grams each. Keep a bowl of water nearby to dampen your hands—this helps prevent the meat from sticking and makes shaping quicker. Uniform sizes ensure that all meatballs bake at the same rate and finish perfectly juicy inside.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place your meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Bake them in the center of the oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want a bit of extra color and crispness on the outside, you can broil them on low for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

Step 5: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced baby Bella mushrooms and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 3 minutes. Use a spatula to break the mushrooms into smaller pieces if you prefer them less chunky. Set the mushrooms aside once browned.

Step 6: Make the Mushroom Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly until the roux turns a light brown color, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps and create a smooth gravy. Let it simmer until thickened, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, your seasoning blend, and fresh sage. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, remembering some broths can be saltier than others.

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Gravy

Add the baked meatballs and mushrooms back to the skillet with the gravy, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle, and the meatballs soak up some of that luscious mushroom sauce.

How to Serve Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes that have a smooth, slightly textured surface. On top of the mashed potatoes, there are four round meatballs covered with a shiny, golden-brown gravy sauce that has a thick texture. Scattered around the meatballs and mashed potatoes are slices of brown mushrooms coated in the same gravy. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on the meatballs and mashed potatoes, adding pops of fresh color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface and a silver fork is placed near the right edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy. Feel free to add a little cracked black pepper on top for an extra peppery kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or even steamed rice. Each base absorbs the mushroom gravy differently but deliciously, so feel free to choose what suits your mood or pantry. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad also offer a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve these pumpkin turkey meatballs in a rustic casserole dish or on a large platter surrounded by your chosen sides. You can even turn the leftover meatballs into hearty sandwiches or sliders the next day by spooning the mushroom gravy over them with melted cheese and crusty bread. The versatility of this recipe means you can get creative every time you make it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pumpkin turkey meatballs with mushroom gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This lets the flavors develop even more, making reheated portions taste just as good, if not better, than fresh.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this meal later, freeze the meatballs and mushroom gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. Meatballs keep best when frozen flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag or container, lasting up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover meatballs and gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the meatballs from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just fine in this recipe. It’s also lean and mild, so the pumpkin and spices will shine through nicely. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly due to moisture content.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, make sure to use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy and double-check your chicken broth for gluten content.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree on hand?

You can substitute with butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree for a similar texture and sweetness. These alternatives maintain the cozy vibe and complement the herbs and spices beautifully.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid over-handling the meat mixture. Using the egg and breadcrumbs helps bind everything together securely. Also, making uniformly sized meatballs ensures even cooking, which helps them hold their shape better.

Can I make the meatballs ahead and freeze them before baking?

Yes! Shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to have a wholesome meal ready in minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. It beautifully balances cozy flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect dish to enjoy solo or share with loved ones. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it yourself—you might just find it becoming a fall and winter favorite on your menu.