Mexican-Style Ground Beef Turkey Stuffing with Cranberries and Almonds

Español A classic Northern Mexican turkey stuffing made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and ground pork. While there are countless variations of this recipe, nothing compares to the relleno para pavo made by my beloved Abuelita Conchis.

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Her version was the perfect balance of tradition and flavor, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and hearty ingredients.

Let me share a little secret: one of my favorite childhood memories was spending Christmas at my Abuelita Cochis’ house in Chihuahua, Mexico. She was an incredible cook, and while everyone looked forward to the turkey as the centerpiece of the meal, I was happiest with a big plate of stuffing paired with creamy white spaghetti and ham on the side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or substitute with raisins for a classic twist)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• ¾ cup carrots, diced into small cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce

How to Make Ground Beef Turkey Stuffing

1. Cook the Carrots:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil, and sauté the carrots until tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground pork and ground beef to the skillet, along with salt, soy sauce and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat releases its juices and is nearly done.

4. Toast the Almonds:
In a separate skillet or comal, toast the sliced almonds for a couple of minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

5. Combine the Ingredients:
Once the meat is nearly cooked, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins, the cooked carrots, and the soy sauce. Mix well and let everything cook until the meat juices reduce completely, mix the almonds. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Serving Your Stuffing

While many people enjoy cooking their stuffing inside the turkey, I prefer to cook it separately. Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey can make it soggy and extend the turkey’s roasting time. Instead, I prepare the stuffing on the stove top and then fill the turkey cavity right before serving for a beautiful presentation.

This Mexican-style turkey stuffing is a showstopper. It blends ground beef, ground pork, dried fruits, and toasted almonds to create a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this easy and delicious recipe will surely be a hit at your holiday table.

Looking for More Turkey Side Dishes? Try These!

• Creamy White Spaghetti with Ham – Espagueti con Crema y Jamon Recipe
• Buttered Spaghetti – Espagueti a la Mantequilla
• Marinated Turkey (Adobo-Style) – Pavo Adobado
• Easy Four-Ingredient Turkey Marinade

Make your holidays unforgettable with these Mexican-inspired recipes from mi casa to your home.