Why Make This Recipe
Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious twist on traditional empanadas. They are easy to make and filled with flavorful ingredients that everyone will love. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, these empanadas are sure to please your family and friends. Plus, they are a great way to use ground turkey, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough discs
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Take an empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry each empanada until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
How to Serve Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas
Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce. You can pair them with salsa, guacamole, or even sour cream for added flavor. They make a great appetizer, but you can also serve them as a main dish with a side salad or some rice.
How to Store Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas
If you have leftovers, let the empanadas cool down completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas
- Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas well, so the filling doesn’t leak out while frying.
- If you want a golden color on the empanadas, you can brush them with an egg wash before frying.
- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Variation
You can switch the ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Feel free to change the type of cheese, too; pepper jack can add a nice kick!
FAQs
1. Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the empanadas.
3. What do I do with empanadas that I have frozen?
You can fry or bake them directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Savory Ground Turkey and Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Take an empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry each empanada until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.