Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Beef and Sage – A Cozy Fall Favorite
When the air turns crisp and pumpkins start appearing everywhere, it’s the perfect time to try something new and comforting — like this Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Beef and Sage. This easy homemade pizza recipe blends creamy pumpkin sauce, flavorful ground beef, and aromatic sage for a cozy twist on a classic.
I first created this recipe on a cool autumn evening when I wanted something hearty yet seasonal. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances beautifully with the savory beef and herbs — creating a pizza that’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
Whether you’re a pizza lover looking for something different or a fall food enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the pizza dough (makes 1 large pizza):
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm water (about 40°C)
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1 teaspoon sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pumpkin sauce:
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1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 garlic clove, finely minced
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
For the toppings:
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250 g ground beef
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½ medium onion, finely chopped
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tablespoon olive oil
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teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage)
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cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pizza dough
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In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture.
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Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the pumpkin sauce
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Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in pumpkin puree, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the beef topping
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
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Stir in dried or fresh sage and cook for another minute. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the pizza
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Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
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Transfer to a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking tray.
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Spread an even layer of pumpkin sauce over the crust.
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Add cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
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Cheese swap: Try using gouda, provolone, or fontina cheese for a creamier flavor.
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Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for a rich, earthy taste.
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Shortcut tip: Use store-bought pizza dough or flatbread for a quicker weeknight meal.
Storing & Reheating
In the fridge:
Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the freezer:
Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
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Oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes for the best texture.
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Air fryer: Heat for 3–4 minutes at 180°C.
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Microwave: Use short 30-second bursts, but note that the crust may soften.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely. Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
3. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No — use pure pumpkin puree only. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices that will alter the flavor.
4. Can I cook it on a pizza stone?
Yes, a preheated pizza stone helps create a crispier crust.
5. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground chicken or turkey works perfectly with the pumpkin and sage flavor combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~320 kcal
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Protein: 18 g
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Fat: 14 g
(Values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
This Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Beef and Sage is the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors in a comforting, creative dish. It’s rich, balanced, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch — even on a weeknight.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below, share your experience, or tag your photo on social media! Looking for more cozy seasonal recipes? Check out my other easy homemade pumpkin recipes and discover new ways to make your autumn table unforgettable.
