Spicy Turkey Empanada Filling

Add a bold and flavorful twist to your empanadas with this Spicy Turkey Empanada Filling, a mouthwatering blend of lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat. Packed with layers of flavor, this recipe combines juicy turkey with the smokiness of paprika, the warmth of cumin, and the fiery kick of jalapeño. A dollop of tomato paste adds depth, while cilantro provides a fresh, vibrant finish. Simmered with chicken broth for a perfectly moist and rich filling, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for creating savory empanadas that are perfect for game-day snacks, potlucks, or meal prep, this filling is versatile enough to freeze for future cravings. Perfect your empanadas with this spicy, satisfying filling that’s sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground turkey
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 0.25 cup Chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat in the spices.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the filling is thickened.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness.

Step 9

Let the filling cool slightly before using to fill empanada dough. The mixture can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(765.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1039.0

Total Fat 61.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 322.0mg	0%
Sodium 2900.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 30.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 11.4g
Protein 91.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 111.8mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 799.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 11.5%