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Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas

Savory Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas for Game Day Fun

Enjoy these Homemade Ground Turkey Empanadas, a comforting and customizable dish perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 empanadas
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • - Food processor
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use King Arthur for consistent results
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing taste
  • 1 cup cold butter Cut into cubes for easy mixing
  • 1/4 cup milk Provides moisture for tenderness
  • 1 large egg For binding and egg wash

For the Filling

  • 1 pound ground turkey Choose 93/7 or 85/15 for moisture
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium yellow onion Mince finely
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Freshly shredded preferred
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika can deepen taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Freshly toasted for better flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Alternative to fresh onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For enhanced savory notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne Optional for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Traditional flavor
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning Extra flavor for turkey
  • 2 tablespoons water To bind filling

For Serving

  • sour cream For dipping
  • salsa For dipping
  • fresh cilantro For garnish

Instructions
 

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.

Notes

Optional: Serve with zesty chipotle mayo for an extra kick!
Keyword Comfort Food, easy recipe, empanadas, Game Day, ground turkey, homemade