This Chipotle turkey meatloaf is flavorful, filling, and even better the next day! A homemade chipotle ketchup that is Whole30-friendly gives this meatloaf the perfect sour and spicy kick you’ll want. It’s dairy-free, grain free, paleo, and total comfort food!.
Ground turkey is generally not a favorite in my house. My kids will always pick beef, pork, and even ground chicken over ground turkey!.
But, I only see it as a challenge. I’m constantly trying to defend ground turkey and create something really tasty.
Enter meatloaf. Meatloaf can be the ultimate cozy comfort food or it can be pretty terrible, honestly. When you use ground turkey, which doesn’t have enough fat on its own to make it really tasty and moist, things get a little trickier.
I LOVE my veggie ranch turkey meatloaf so much, but I wanted to try something SO different with this one. And still, of course, make it into a favorite that I’ll want to make more than once!.
I used to make chipotle ketchup that was paleo and low in FODMAPs, but not Whole30-friendly and years ago. I’ve also made a classic meatloaf with my original Whole30 ketchup that’s a big reader favorite.
I decided to combine the two for this recipe and make the result the main ingredient in the turkey meatloaf. You get TONS of flavor from the Whole30 chipotle ketchup, which is both in the meatloaf mix and on top.
The result was a big success with the kiddos! It has spice, but isn’t overly spicy. This recipe also lets you change the amount of chipotle powder you use, so if you like spicy food, turn it up!
The meatloaf wasn’t dry at all, which is a nice surprise because I often have that problem with chicken and turkey meatloaf made with almond flour as a binder. The ketchup definitely helps keep the meatloaf moist in addition to making it really yummy!.
Still, be careful not to over-bake, because any meatloaf will fall apart if it’s in the oven for too long!
You’re done when the juices run clear and the middle is no longer pink. This took me about 45 minutes, but you can check on it at 40 to be sure.
Get your ingredients ready, and let’s go! I hope you’re ready for a new, FUN meatloaf to share with your family.
The Whole30 diet emphasizes eating whole natural foods that provide maximum nutrients. Lean ground turkey is a perfect protein for Whole30, packing a powerful protein punch without the fat and calories of beef. If you’re looking for some fresh ground turkey inspiration for your Whole30 journey, this collection of recipes has got you covered.
These 15 delicious inventive dishes make the most of ground turkey’s versatility. I’ve rounded up a variety of recipes from meatballs to skillets, to stuffed squash and more. Turn to these flavorful turkey meals when you want to mix up your routine protein choices. Let’s get cooking!
Whole30 Ground Turkey Recipes:
1. Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This quick stir fry combines spicy ground turkey with crunchy snow peas and bell peppers. The ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes add lots of flavor. Serve over cauliflower rice for a satisfying low carb meal.
2. Paleo Pumpkin Chili
Warm up with this hearty chili full of ground turkey, pumpkin puree and a medley of vegetables like zucchini and sweet potato. It’s Whole30 compliant and perfect for fall and winter.
3. Herbed Turkey Apple Sausage Patties
Ground turkey gets mixed with tart apples, onion and an array of fresh herbs like sage and thyme to make flavorful sausage patties. They’re great for breakfast or dinner.
4. Thai Turkey Stir Fry
Lean ground turkey teams up with basil, lime, ginger and veggies for a fresh Thai-inspired stir fry. It comes together quickly for a fast weeknight dinner.
5. Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce
These tasty turkey meatballs are simmered in a savory sauce of sun dried tomatoes, coconut cream and herbs. It’s pure comfort food satisfaction.
6. Turkey Hash with Squash
Whip up this easy hash for a fast Whole30 meal. It’s a tasty mix of ground turkey, yellow squash, zucchini, bell pepper and spices.
7. Whole30 Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting shepherd’s pie is made with cauliflower, ground turkey and all the traditional veggies like peas and carrots for a lean, Whole30 approved version.
8. Herbed Turkey Meatballs
Fresh parsley, basil, oregano and lemon zest add tons of flavor to these juicy ground turkey meatballs. Enjoy them on their own or in a compliant red sauce.
9. Stuffed Delicata Squash
Roasted delicata squash halves get filled with an savory mix of ground turkey, tomatoes and spinach for a pretty, hearty meal.
10. Loaded Turkey Casserole
This easy one-pan casserole brings together turkey, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers and herbs for a delicious handheld or plated dinner.
11. Turkey Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Quickly sauté turkey with brussels sprouts, onions and fresh thyme for a super nutritious skillet supper any night of the week.
12. Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie
Trade beef for turkey in this comforting shepherd’s pie baked with a cauliflower mash topping and plenty of vegetables.
13. Ground Turkey and Asparagus Skillet
Fresh asparagus takes center stage in this quick skillet with ground turkey, garlic, lemon and Dijon mustard. It’s ready in 30 minutes.
14. Pesto Turkey Meatloaf
Bake up this Whole30 meatloaf with turkey, almond meal, egg and homemade basil pesto for tons of herby flavor.
15. Turkey Breakfast Casserole
Start your day right with this protein-packed casserole of ground turkey, spinach, sweet potato and eggs.
With endless options for customizing with spices, herbs and veggies, ground turkey makes it easy to create exciting new dishes. These Whole30 recipes offer inspiration for hearty, nutritious meals the whole family can enjoy. Try a new ground turkey recipe each week to add variety to your Whole30 routine. Just don’t forget to stock up on lemons and fresh herbs to really bring out the flavors. Happy Whole30 cooking!
Paleo Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf {Whole30}
- Make the ketchup first. In a mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together until the mixture is very smooth. Taste it and make any necessary seasoning changes. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Heat a small/med skillet over medium heat. Add the ghee and cook the onions and celery until they are clear. Then add the garlic and cook for another 15 to 30 seconds. Take the pan off the heat and set it aside.
- Put the ground turkey, egg, almond flour, sea salt, spices, 1/3 of the ketchup, and the onions that have been sautéed in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together well until they are all mixed in. Transfer mixture to a medium loaf pan – either 8. 5 x 4. 5 or 9 x 5. Spread the last 1/3 cup of ketchup on top with a silicone spatula or spoon.
- Put it in an oven that has already been heated up for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle. Let the loaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting it up and serving it. Enjoy! .
Put 1 cup of pitted medjool dates in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of very hot water and let them soak for a few minutes. This will make date paste. Put the ingredients in a blender (a small one works best, or you can use a small food processor) and blend them until they are very smooth. You will need 2 Tbsp for this recipe, save the rest in the refrigerator for other uses.
Whole30 Meal Prep | 3 Whole30 Recipes with Ground Turkey
Is ground turkey good for Whole30?
Any ground turkey will work for Whole30 as long as it doesn’t haven’t any additives or flavoring added. Many people doing Whole30 diets look for organic ground turkey. Both ground dark meat and light meat turkey are allowed. Dark meat turkey has more fat and tends to have more flavor than light turkey meat or ground turkey breast.
How do you make a Turkey stir fry on a Whole30?
These Whole30 Turkey-Stuffed Peppers from Primal Edge Health combine ground turkey with mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a filling. Stuff them into bell peppers and bake until tender. 11. Whole30 Turkey-Veggie Stir Fry Quickly sauté ground turkey with your favorite veggies for a Whole30-friendly stir fry.
How do you make teriyaki sauce for ground turkey?
First, cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat with all turkey bowl ingredients except cauliflower rice for 5 to 7 minutes, covered. Occasionally stir and break up meat with a spatula. In another skillet, cook the cauliflower rice with a drizzle of olive oil over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the turkey is cooked, make the teriyaki sauce.
How do you cook a ground turkey in a cast iron skillet?
Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet (I use a 12-inch skillet). Add the ground turkey and press into a single layer. Brown turkey without touching it for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned. Flip the meat and continue browning another 2 minutes.
How do you cook a ground turkey?
Choose 93% lean or leaner ground turkey to limit fat intake. Avoid pre-flavored turkey with additives. Season ground turkey well with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, mustard, etc. It has a mild flavor on its own. Cook ground turkey thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to eliminate bacteria risk.
What can I substitute for ground turkey teriyaki?
To cook, ground turkey can be substituted with ground beef or ground chicken in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook on medium until brown and crumbly, breaking up meat with a spatula as you cook. These are the main ingredients and substitutions for ground turkey teriyaki bowls. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.