There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade food, and these Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas are the perfect example. Imagine pulling a golden-brown empanada from the oven, its flaky crust giving way to a delicious filling of savory ground turkey, melted cheddar, and aromatic spices. The first bite transports you to a cozy kitchen where flavors mingle and smiles abound.
Whether it’s a relaxed weeknight dinner or a lively game day gathering, these empanadas shine as a crowd-pleasing dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste. The combination of spices and cheese makes each bite a savory delight, and they’re effortlessly paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
Say goodbye to fast food and hello to a home-cooked treasure that’s not just a meal, but an invitation to savor moments with family and friends. Join me in crafting these delightful pockets of goodness that are destined to become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas
Satisfying, the flaky crust is filled with juicy ground turkey and melted cheddar, creating a comforting treat for any occasion. Customizable, you can easily swap ingredients, making them perfect for personal tastes or dietary needs. Family-friendly, these empanadas are a kid-approved favorite that make dinner fun! Quick to prepare, they save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. For a complete meal, pair them with Mexican rice or a fresh salad, making every bite a memorable experience.
Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious homemade ground turkey empanadas!
For the Dough
- Flour – Use King Arthur all-purpose flour for consistent results.
- Salt – Essential for balancing taste in both dough and filling.
- Butter – Cold butter adds flakiness to the dough; cut into cubes for easy mixing.
- Milk – Provides moisture, helping create a tender texture.
- Egg – Combines ingredients and gives an egg wash for a beautiful shine.
For the Filling
- Ground Turkey – The star protein; choose 93/7 or 85/15 for the best moisture.
- Canola Oil – Helps sauté the turkey without sticking; feel free to use other oils.
- Yellow Onion – Adds fresh flavor; mince finely for better blending.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully to add creaminess, freshly shredded is best.
- Chili Powder – Introduces spice; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Paprika – Adds color and flavor; smoked paprika can deepen the taste.
- Cumin – Provides earthy flavor; freshly toasted works wonders.
- Onion Powder – Depth of flavor, a great alternative to fresh onions if desired.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances savory notes; substitute with fresh garlic for a stronger kick.
- Cayenne – Adds extra heat if desired; leave out for a milder option.
- Dried Oregano – A must for traditional flavor in the filling.
- Taco Seasoning – Extra seasoning for the turkey; homemade versions are encouraged.
- Water – Used to bind the filling; adjust to maintain desired consistency.
For Serving
- Sour Cream, Salsa, and Fresh Cilantro – Enhance flavor and complement the empanadas beautifully.
Dive into these Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas, and let the family rave about your delicious creation!
How to Make Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas
Dough Prep: In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter, pulsing until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, pulse in milk and an egg until just combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.
Filling Preparation: While the dough chills, heat canola oil in a skillet. Sauté ground turkey and minced yellow onion until browned. Stir in the spice mixture and water, simmering until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
Empanada Assembly: Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 5 1/2-inch circles. In the center of each, place 2-3 tablespoons of cooled turkey filling and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar. Wet the edges, then seal with a fork.
Pre-Bake Chill: Place the shaped empanadas on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut small slits in the tops of the empanadas, apply an egg wash for a golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
Cooling and Serving: Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a delightful burst of flavor.
Optional: Serve with zesty chipotle mayo for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Each twist brings a new delight to your table, inviting your taste buds to explore.
Ground Chicken: Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a lighter option while retaining that savory essence.
Beef Bliss: Swap to ground beef, opting for leaner cuts, like sirloin, to make the flavor heartier and richer.
Cheese Swaps: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different melty texture and an extra hint of spice.
Veggie Boost: Fold in diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling for added nutrition and a pop of color.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a garden-fresh aroma that complements the spices beautifully.
Heat Adjustments: If you love some kick, amp up the cayenne or add jalapeños to the filling for a zesty surprise!
Sweet Twist: For an adventurous touch, incorporate dried fruits like raisins or apricots into the savory filling for a sweet and savory combination.
Dough Variants: Switch up the dough by using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for a healthier or gluten-free option.
With these variations, each batch of Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas can be a unique experience, bringing fun and flavor to your family gatherings!
What to Serve with Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas?
Creating a delightful meal means pairing these tasty delights with the perfect accompaniments to elevate the experience.
Sour Cream: The cool, creamy texture of sour cream complements the warm spices in the empanadas. Its tangy flavor balances the richness of the filling beautifully.
Fresh Salsa: A vibrant, zesty salsa brings in freshness and acidity, cutting through the hearty flavors of the empanadas. Consider a mango salsa for a tropical twist!
Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice adds a comforting element to your meal. With its slightly spicy and savory notes, it pairs harmoniously with the flavors of the empanadas.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip offers a lush, buttery texture that complements the crispy crust and savory filling perfectly. Plus, it adds a healthy touch!
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing introduces a pop of color while enhancing nutrition. The perfect side for a wholesome meal!
Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips with a side of spicy dip. The texture contrast between the soft empanadas and the chips is delightful.
Refreshing Beverages: A light beer or a glass of chilled white wine serves as a great pairing. Sparkling water with lime offers a crisp, refreshing contrast without overshadowing the empanadas.
Churros: For a sweet ending, whip up easy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar. Their warm, sugary goodness makes the perfect ending to your homemade feast!
Expert Tips for Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas
Chill for Success: Always refrigerate the dough and shaped empanadas before baking. This helps maintain their form and enhances flakiness.
Avoid Overfilling: Stick to the suggested filling amounts to prevent your empanadas from bursting. Less is more when it comes to sealing!
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for optimal melting and flavor in your homemade ground turkey empanadas. Packaged cheese often doesn’t melt as well.
Mind the Steam: Cut slits in each empanada’s top before baking. This allows steam to escape, ensuring a crispy crust without sogginess.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice levels to suit your taste. Extra cayenne or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor profile of your empanadas significantly.
Storage Tips for Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain that delightful crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pre-baked or baked empanadas individually for up to 3 months. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for best results.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen, baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This way, your homemade ground turkey empanadas maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
Room Temperature: If serving immediately, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated to ensure freshness.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas are an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate, while the cooled filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble and bake, roll out the chilled dough and fill it, then refrigerate the shaped empanadas for an additional 30 minutes before baking to maintain their integrity. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly baked empanadas with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes!
Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select the ground turkey for the filling?
When choosing ground turkey, opt for a blend with around 85/15 or 93/7 fat content. These ratios ensure a juicy and flavorful filling. Leaner options may result in dry empanadas. If you prefer alternatives, ground chicken is also a delightful option that works well in this recipe!
How should I store these empanadas after cooking?
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, as this preserves their crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheating solution!
Can I freeze the homemade ground turkey empanadas?
Absolutely! You can freeze either pre-baked or baked empanadas. Individually wrap each one in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
What if my empanadas seem to be bursting open when baking?
To prevent bursting, avoid overfilling the empanadas. Stick to the recommended amount of filling, around 2-3 tablespoons per empanada. Additionally, make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and remember to chill both the dough and the assembled empanadas before baking.
Are these empanadas suitable for those with food allergies?
While the ingredient list primarily includes common allergens like dairy and gluten, they can be adjusted to cater to specific dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. You could also use gluten-free flour for the dough. Always ensure to double-check labels if you’re serving friends or family with allergies.
How do I know when the empanadas are perfectly baked?
Look for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture on the outside. The filling should be hot and bubbly, which you can ensure by cutting a slit before baking to let the steam escape. Allow them to cool for a few minutes and enjoy a delightful burst of flavor!
Savory Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas for Game Day Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter, pulsing until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, pulse in milk and an egg until just combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, heat canola oil in a skillet. Sauté ground turkey and minced yellow onion until browned. Stir in the spice mixture and water, simmering until thickened. Allow to cool completely.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 5 1/2-inch circles. In the center of each, place 2-3 tablespoons of cooled turkey filling and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar. Wet the edges, then seal with a fork.
- Place the shaped empanadas on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut small slits in the tops of the empanadas, apply an egg wash for a golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a delightful burst of flavor.