Meat Turnovers
Meat turnovers offer a savory filling of ground beef, olives, and raisins wrapped in a flaky dough, perfect for a flavorful snack or hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 4 cups flour ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped olives ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut shortening into sifted flour, baking powder, and 2 teaspoons salt in a bowl.
- Add egg and water, tossing lightly to form a soft dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator before using.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles or desired shapes.
- Fill with the prepared meat mixture including ground beef, onion, green pepper, olives, hard-boiled eggs, raisins, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the turnovers and bake until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider replacing half of the shortening with cold butter. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. To save time, pre-cook the filling ingredients before assembling the turnovers. Adding spices like cumin or paprika can enhance the flavor profile. This recipe can also be adapted with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meat turnovers warm with a side of tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with a bowl of soup or can be enjoyed as a snack. For a delightful twist, serve alongside a spicy salsa or a dollop of sour cream. Consider browsing more American recipes for varied meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. For freezing, wrap individual turnovers in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Turnovers contains roughly 2366 calories, with 41g protein, 412g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (96% of the Daily Value), protein (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2227mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time. This helps the flavors meld together. Just ensure it cools before filling the dough. Assemble the turnovers just before you're ready to bake for the best texture.
What can I use instead of olives in the filling?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can replace them with capers or diced pickles for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, you can simply omit them and add more vegetables like chopped mushrooms or spinach to enhance the filling.
How do I ensure the turnovers don't leak while baking?
To prevent leaking, make sure to seal the edges of the turnovers well. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch them tightly. Also, avoid overfilling them, as this can cause the filling to burst out during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).