10+ Leftover Turkey Recipes for Delicious Meals

Leftover turkey offers a fantastic opportunity to create delicious meals long after the holiday feast.

You can transform your extra turkey into a variety of tasty dishes that your family will love.

From comforting casseroles to creative sandwiches, these recipes help you minimize waste while enjoying every bite.

In this article, you will discover various ways to use leftover turkey in easy and flavorful recipes.

Whether you have a little or a lot of turkey, these ideas will inspire you to whip up something special in your kitchen.

Get ready to make the most of your leftovers!

1) Turkey Carnitas Tacos

Turkey carnitas tacos are a tasty way to use your leftover turkey. You can turn shredded turkey into a flavorful filling by adding spices.

This dish is simple and delightful.

To start, mix your cooked turkey with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

You can also add some orange juice for extra flavor.

Warm up your tortillas, then fill them with the turkey mixture. Top with your favorite additions like avocado, salsa, or cilantro. These tacos are sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds of leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Juice of 1 orange
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shredded turkey, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and orange juice.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté the turkey mixture for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
4. Warm the tortillas in another pan.
5. Fill each tortilla with the turkey mixture and add desired toppings. Enjoy!

2) Classic Turkey Soup

Classic turkey soup is a warm and tasty way to use your leftover turkey. It’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. This mix is often called mirepoix and adds a nice base flavor.

After the vegetables soften, add diced turkey, broth, and your choice of spices.

Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together nicely.

You can also toss in some noodles or rice if you like.

Enjoy this comforting dish with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 cup noodles or rice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add diced turkey and broth to the pot.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add noodles or rice if desired and cook until tender.

3) Savory Turkey Pot Pie

Savory turkey pot pie is a delicious way to use your leftover turkey. It combines tender turkey with colorful veggies in a creamy sauce, all tucked inside a flaky pie crust.

You can add ingredients like carrots, peas, and celery for added flavor. Season the mixture with herbs such as thyme or parsley to enhance the taste.

To make it even easier, start with a pre-made crust or make one at home. This heartwarming dish is perfect for dinner and will surely satisfy your family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and peas until tender.
3. Add turkey and stir in chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with the crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

4) Spicy Turkey Enchiladas

Spicy turkey enchiladas are a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. With warm spices and melted cheese, they make a comforting meal. You can customize the spice level to fit your taste.

To make them, start with ground turkey and add your favorite vegetables. Mix in some taco seasoning for extra flavor. Then, roll the mixture in tortillas and top with enchilada sauce.

Bake the enchiladas until they are hot and bubbly. Serve with your choice of toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, sauté onions and peppers until soft.
3. Add turkey, black beans, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
4. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll them up.
5. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

5) Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is a great way to use your leftover turkey. This dish is easy to make and perfect for families. You’ll love how tasty and comforting it is.

To make this recipe, you’ll need ingredients like cream, cheese, and pasta. Combine them for a rich and creamy sauce with tender turkey chunks. You can also add mushrooms and peas for extra flavor.

This dish is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 8 oz pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups cream
• 1 cup cheese (like Monterey Jack or parmesan)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
3. In a pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until soft.
4. In a bowl, combine cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix turkey, cooked pasta, mushrooms, and peas into the sauce.
6. Pour everything into a baking dish and add extra cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6) Crispy Turkey Paninis

Crispy turkey paninis are a delicious way to use leftover turkey. You can create a warm, toasted sandwich that is packed with flavor.

Start with your favorite bread, like sourdough or ciabatta. Layer in slices of turkey, cheese, and your choice of spreads, such as cranberry sauce or mayo.

Grill the sandwich until golden brown. This makes the bread crispy and the cheese melt perfectly.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 4 oz of leftover turkey
• 1 slice of cheese (provolone or Swiss)
• 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce or mayonnaise
• Butter for grilling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Spread butter on the outsides of the bread slices.
3. Layer turkey, cheese, and sauce between the bread.
4. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.

7) Hearty Turkey Bolognese

Hearty Turkey Bolognese is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly. You can enjoy it over pasta or even zucchini noodles for a healthier option.

Start with some chopped onions, garlic, and carrots in a skillet. Sauté until softened. Then, add shredded turkey and your favorite tomato sauce. Season with herbs like oregano and basil.

Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it hot over your choice of pasta and top with grated cheese if desired.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the shredded turkey and marinara sauce.
4. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve over cooked pasta. Enjoy!

8) Zesty Turkey Salad

Zesty Turkey Salad is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. This dish brings together a mix of ingredients that complement turkey perfectly.

Start with cubed, cooked turkey as the base. Add diced onion and chopped eggs for extra texture. You can include zesty pickles and sour cream to enhance the taste.

To make it even more exciting, stir in some fresh herbs. The combination will make your salad refreshing and satisfying. Serve it on crackers or in a sandwich for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed cooked turkey
• 1½ cups diced onion
• 3 microwaved eggs, chopped
• ⅓ cup zesty pickles
• ½ cup sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, onion, chopped eggs, and pickles.
2. Add the sour cream and mix until well combined.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

9) Cheesy Turkey Nachos

Cheesy turkey nachos are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. They are quick to make and perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Start by layering tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Pile on your chopped turkey, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. You can use colby jack or cheddar cheese for great flavor.

Add some extra toppings like black beans, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added taste. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover turkey, chopped
• 2-3 cups shredded cheese (colby jack or cheddar)
• Tortilla chips
• Black beans (optional)
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Jalapeños (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Top with chopped turkey.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over everything.
5. Add any extra toppings you like.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

10) Flavorful Turkey Gumbo

Turkey gumbo is a delicious way to use leftover turkey. This dish is warm and hearty, making it perfect for a cozy meal.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Start with a rich broth, and add your leftover turkey.

Sausage, bell peppers, and onions give it a great flavor. Don’t forget the spices for that authentic gumbo taste!

Serve your gumbo over rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a comforting dish that your family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs shredded leftover turkey
• 8 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ cups canola oil
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups chopped celery
• Spices (like cayenne and paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking until brown.
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Pour in broth and water, and bring to a boil.
5. Add turkey and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve over rice.
7. Enjoy!