10 Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes You’ll Love

After a big Thanksgiving feast, your fridge might be full of leftovers. Instead of just reheating the same meal, why not try something new? Turn those leftovers into something exciting and different.

You can make delicious dishes that are just as good as the original. This article will show you 10 tasty ways to use your Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes. You’ll reduce food waste and wow your family with your new cooking skills.

Turkey and Rice Casserole: A Comforting Classic

A Turkey and Rice Casserole is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy your leftover turkey. It combines flavors and textures that are sure to please. According to Taste of Home, a classic casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It’s perfect for the day after Thanksgiving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to prepare your Turkey and Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in butter until softened.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen peas and carrots, sautéed onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.

Variations to Try

To make this recipe your own, consider the following variations:

• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
• For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Substitute the chicken broth with turkey broth for an intensified turkey flavor.

Turkey Tacos: A Fun Twist

Leftover turkey gets a flavorful makeover in these easy and delicious Turkey Tacos. Serious Eats says using leftover turkey for tacos is a great twist. This recipe is perfect for those looking for creative turkey leftovers ideas that are tasty and easy.

Ingredients for Quick Tacos

To make these mouth-watering tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced leftover turkey
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other taco toppings you love

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Turkey Tacos:

1. In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until softened.
2. Add the shredded turkey and taco seasoning to the pan, stirring well to combine.
3. Cook for a few minutes until the turkey is heated through and well coated with the seasoning.
4. Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
5. Fill the taco shells with the turkey mixture and top with your favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

The beauty of tacos lies in their customizability. Here are some topping ideas to enhance your Turkey Tacos:

• Diced tomatoes or fresh salsa
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Cilantro or scallions for a fresh flavor
• Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch

Turkey Tacos are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and make it your own!

Turkey Soup: Warm and Hearty

Make a nourishing turkey soup with your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s perfect for any day and is easy to make. You’ll use ingredients you likely have.

Perfect Ingredients for Soup

To make a great turkey soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with:

• 2 cups of leftover turkey (shredded or diced)
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

You can also add other vegetables like diced potatoes or green beans to make the soup more hearty.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking your turkey soup is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until they’re tender.
2. Add the chicken broth, shredded turkey, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer.
3. Let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Extra Flavor

To give your turkey soup an extra boost of flavor, consider these tips:

• Add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.
• Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Experiment with different herbs like parsley or bay leaves.

For a creamy version, you can add a swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of cooking.

Turkey Salad: Light and Refreshing

You can make a refreshing turkey salad with your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s great for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s a healthy and tasty way to enjoy leftover turkey.

Ingredients for a Tasty Salad

To make a delicious turkey salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Leftover turkey (diced)
• Celery, chopped
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• Diced apple or grapes for added sweetness
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing Options

The dressing can make or break your salad. Here are some options:

• Classic Mayonnaise: Provides a rich and creamy texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Offers a healthier alternative with a tangy flavor.
• Vinaigrette: For a lighter option, mix olive oil with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

Once your salad is prepared, you can serve it in various ways:

1. On a bed of lettuce for a fresh salad.
2. Between two slices of whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich.
3. On top of a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious bowl.

Turkey Pot Pie: A Cozy Dish

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a cozy meal with a turkey pot pie. This dish is great for leftover turkey and veggies. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Essential Ingredients

To make a delicious turkey pot pie, you’ll need:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

Steps to Assemble

Assembling your turkey pot pie is easy. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mixed veggies and turkey in butter until heated.
3. Add flour, stirring to combine, then add chicken broth and milk. Simmer until thickened.
4. Roll out one pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the turkey mix and cover with the second crust.
5. Crimp the edges to seal and cut slits in the top for steam.

Baking Tips

To get a golden brown pot pie, follow these tips:

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
• Cover edges with foil if they brown too fast.
• Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

By following these steps, you can make a creative turkey leftovers dish. This turkey pot pie is a great turkey leftover recipe idea. It turns last night’s dinner into tonight’s comfort food.

Turkey Sandwiches: A Simple Favorite

The classic turkey sandwich is loved by many. It’s a blank canvas for different tastes. With a few creative steps, you can make it special.

Classic Ingredients

To craft a tasty turkey sandwich, start with the essentials. You’ll need:

• High-quality leftover turkey
• Fresh bread (whole wheat or white)
• Crisp lettuce
• Juicy tomato slices
• Mayonnaise or your preferred spread

These basics create a delicious sandwich. Serious Eats suggests adding cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, for extra flavor.

Creative Add-ons

For a flavorful twist, add some creative touches:

1. Avocado for a creamy texture
2. Bacon for a smoky taste (no pork issue here)
3. Cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor
4. Caramelized onions for a rich taste

How to Make It Special

To elevate your turkey sandwich, try grilling it. Serious Eats recommends adding cheese for a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich. Grill until the cheese melts and the bread toasts.

Experiment with different breads, like sourdough or ciabatta, for more taste and texture. The key is to be creative and enjoy making your leftover turkey into something new.

Turkey Stir-Fry: Quick and Healthy

Stir-frying leftover turkey is a quick and healthy meal idea. You can mix it with various vegetables and spices. This makes a tasty dish full of nutrients.

Key Ingredients

To make a tasty turkey stir-fry, you need a few ingredients. Start with 2 cups of leftover turkey, cut into thin strips. You’ll also need 1 cup of your favorite stir-fry vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Also, have 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce ready.

Stir-Fry Instructions

First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the stir-fry vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp. Then, add the sliced turkey and stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through. Season with soy sauce to taste.

For a more detailed recipe, visit this page for guidance on making a delicious leftover turkey stir-fry.

Variations to Enhance Flavor

To make your turkey stir-fry even better, try adding other ingredients. Include leftover vegetables like green beans or snap peas for texture. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. You can also try different seasonings, like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce, for a unique taste. As one chef notes, “

Adding a splash of citrus juice can elevate the flavors in your stir-fry.

” This simple tip can greatly improve your dish’s taste.

By following these steps and using your favorite ingredients, you can make a delicious ways to use leftover turkey that’s healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your turkey stir-fry as a quick and easy meal that meets your dietary needs.

Turkey Chili: Spicy and Satisfying

Turn leftover turkey into a tasty meal with turkey chili. It’s not only yummy but also simple to make. You’ll need ingredients you probably have at home.

Ingredients to Spice It Up

To make your turkey chili special, you’ll need a few key items. Start with:

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or diced

For more heat, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to your chili.

Cooking Method

Making turkey chili is easy. Here’s how:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, and turkey. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Topping Ideas

Make your turkey chili your own with different toppings. Some ideas include:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
• Diced onions or scallions
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips or crackers
• Fresh cilantro leaves

By following these steps and choosing your favorite toppings, you can make a delicious turkey chili. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey.

Turkey Quesadillas: Cheesy Goodness

Turkey quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.

Ingredients for Quesadillas

Here’s what you need for turkey quesadillas:

• 2 cups leftover shredded or diced turkey
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 large tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado, or other desired toppings

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your turkey quesadillas:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened.
3. Add the shredded turkey to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and bell pepper mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the turkey mixture onto half of the tortilla, and top with half of the shredded cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook the other side.
6. Repeat with the second tortilla and remaining filling ingredients.

Dipping Sauces

Try these tasty dipping sauces with your turkey quesadillas:

By following these simple steps and using your leftover turkey, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy your turkey quesadillas with your favorite dipping sauce!

Turkey Fried Rice: A Savory Delight Thanksgiving leftover turkey recipes

Turn leftover turkey into a tasty meal with Turkey Fried Rice. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can add different veggies and spices, making it a great way to use leftovers.

Key Ingredients

To make Turkey Fried Rice, you need cooked rice, diced turkey, and your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, and green onions. Soy sauce and scrambled eggs add richness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions

First, heat oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Scramble the eggs and set them aside. Then, add more oil if needed, and stir-fry the veggies and turkey until they’re hot.

Mix in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs. Stir-fry until everything is well mixed.

Tips for Fluffy Rice

To get fluffy rice, use day-old cooked rice. It’s drier and easier to separate. Don’t over-stir, as it can make the rice clumpy.

Try different seasonings like oyster sauce or sesame oil for a unique taste. Turkey Fried Rice is a great meal prep option. You can also find more easy leftover turkey dishes, like leftover turkey casserole recipes.