Mole-Roasted Turkey with Masa Stuffing and Chilli Gravy
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This mole-roasted turkey with masa stuffing and chilli gravy is a vibrant, high-protein take on the traditional roast. By coating the bird in a complex, savoury mole sauce and filling it with a textured masa-based stuffing, you create a dish that is deeply aromatic and wonderfully succulent. The additions of lime juice and chilli powder to the gravy provide a refreshing brightness that perfectly balances the rich, earthy notes of the slow-roasted meat.
Ideal for a celebratory dinner or a seasonal gathering with a twist, this recipe offers a sophisticated alternative to the classic British roast. The combination of traditional Mexican flavours with a familiar roasting technique ensures a spectacular centrepiece. Serve this alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced, flavour-packed meal that is sure to impress your guests.
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Ingredients for Mole-Roasted Turkey with Masa Stuffing and Chilli Gravy
1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, any feathers or quills removed with tweezers or needlenose pliers
neck, heart, and gizzard removed and reserved for making Quick Turkey Stock (discard liver or reserve for another use)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Turkey Mole Sauce
Masa Stuffing
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Approximately 475ml Quick Turkey Stock
475ml Quick Turkey Stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons plain flour
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoons chilli powder
kitchen string
aluminum foil
bulb baster
instant-read thermometer
large flameproof roasting pan with flat or V-shaped rack
kitchen string
aluminum foil
bulb baster (optional)
instant-read thermometer
How to make Mole-Roasted Turkey with Masa Stuffing and Chilli Gravy
Rinse turkey and pat dry. Sprinkle inside and out with salt and pepper and transfer to roasting pan. Set aside 350ml mole for serving (refrigerate until ready to use), then coat turkey inside and out with remainder. Cover turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
Arrange oven rack in lowest position and preheat oven to 232°C. Butter 2-quart casserole or 8-inch square baking dish.
Loosely fill main cavity of turkey with stuffing. Transfer remaining stuffing to prepared dish and drizzle with 120ml stock. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Dab turkey all over with melted butter. Tuck wing tips under breast and loosely tie legs together with kitchen string. Pour 60ml stock into pan.
Roast turkey 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 177°C, cover turkey loosely with foil, and continue roasting 45 minutes more. Remove foil, add 60ml stock to pan, and continue to roast, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, 1 1/2 hours more.
Increase oven temperature to 232°C, rotate pan 180° in oven, and add 60ml stock to pan. Remove extra stuffing from refrigerator (do not uncover) and transfer to oven alongside turkey. Bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Keep warm, covered. Meanwhile, continue to roast turkey, adding 60ml stock to pan and basting every 15 minutes, until instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh (do not touch bone) registers 77°C, about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours more (2 1/2 to 3 hours total).
Transfer turkey to platter (do not clean roasting pan). Insert thermometer into centre of stuffing. If thermometer does not read 74°C, remove stuffing and microwave until 74°C. Keep warm. Let turkey rest at least 1/2 hour before carving.
Straddle roasting pan across 2 burners on moderately high heat. Add stock and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan. Remove from heat.
In medium saucepan melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until roux is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add stock mixture in steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then simmer until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into medium bowl and stir in lime juice, salt, and chilli powder. Keep warm.
In small saucepan over low heat, gently reheat reserved mole sauce. Serve turkey with gravy and mole alongside.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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