Hey there, friends!
Looking for a fun and tasty dish to spice up your meal rotation? You’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for ground turkey empanadas.
These little pockets of goodness are packed with flavor and super satisfying.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party snack!
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. Let’s dive in!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives maintain a similar texture and protein content. Adjust seasoning slightly, as ground chicken may need more flavor enhancement, while plant-based crumbles may require less salt.
Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or water mixed with bouillon cubes. These options provide similar moisture and flavor. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium broth or reduce the amount of bouillon.
Empanada pastry can be swapped with puff pastry sheets or homemade dough using all-purpose flour. Puff pastry will create a flakier texture, while homemade dough allows for customization of ingredients. If using puff pastry, reduce baking temperature slightly and watch closely to prevent over-browning. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour mix to make the dough, adding xanthan gum for better texture.
| Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-75 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1300-1500
- Protein: 75-85 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 grated carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 packs of empanada pastry
- 1 egg for glazing empanadas
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven
Begin by measuring out the ingredients for the empanadas using measuring cups and spoons.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly fragrant.
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped red pepper to the skillet.
Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables are well combined and tender.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
In a clean nonstick skillet, do not add any oil.
Heat over medium heat and add in the ground turkey.
Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Stir regularly, ensuring the turkey cooks fully and evenly.
Once done, use a fine mesh strainer to drain the turkey over a large glass bowl.
Then, add the drained turkey to the bowl with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Finalize the Empanada Filling
In the mixing bowl with the vegetables and turkey, add grated carrots, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
Mix all the filling ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
Step 5: Prepare and Fill Empanada Dough
Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk it well to create an egg wash.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Have the empanada filling, empanada dough, egg wash, and an empanada press mold ready.
Lightly stretch the empanada dough discs by hand, then lay each stretched dough disc on the press mold.
Use a silicone brush to apply the egg wash around the edge of each dough disc.
Place 1.5 tablespoons of turkey filling in the center of the disc, ensuring no filling touches the edges.
Press the filling towards the middle if needed.
Close the sides of the empanada press tightly, then open to reveal a sealed empanada.
Repeat for the remaining dough discs.
Step 6: Bake the Empanadas
Arrange the pressed empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush the tops of all the empanadas with the remaining egg wash.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the empanadas for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve.
Enjoy your delicious turkey empanadas!
