Transforming leftover turkey into exciting new meals can turn post-holiday blues into culinary delights! With these 14 turkey leftover recipes, you can say goodbye to bland meals and hello to delicious, easy-to-make dishes. Let’s dive into a world of flavors that will rejuvenate your leftovers and bring joy to your dining table!
Turkey Chili
This hearty chili warms you up on chilly days!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- In a pot, sauté the onion until soft.
- Stir in turkey, beans, tomatoes, and chili powder.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, season, and serve hot.
Make it Unique:
Add corn for sweetness or top with avocado slices for creaminess.
Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce
This sandwich makes lunchtime exciting again!
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 cup shredded turkey
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- Lettuce leaves
Process:
- Layer turkey and cranberry sauce between slices of bread.
- Add lettuce and close the sandwich.
- Cut in half and serve.
Make it Unique:
Use a croissant instead of bread for a buttery twist!
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
This casserole makes for a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups turkey, diced
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a dish, layer turkey and stuffing. Mix soup with broth, pour over, and top with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add green beans or peas for extra veggies!
Turkey Fried Rice
Fried rice is a quick and delightful meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup turkey, diced
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Soy sauce to taste
Process:
- In a large pan, scramble the eggs and set aside.
- Sauté turkey and vegetables until heated through.
- Add rice and soy sauce, mixing well. Stir in eggs before serving.
Make it Unique:
Use sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Turkey Tacos
Tacos are always a hit for family dinner night!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- Taco shells
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- Shredded cheese
Process:
- Warm the taco shells in the oven.
- Fill each shell with turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Top with cheese and your favorite salsa.
Make it Unique:
Add black beans or jalapeños for that extra kick!
Turkey Soup
This soup is the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- In a pot, add broth, turkey, and veggies.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season to taste before serving.
Make it Unique:
Add noodles for a heartier dish!
Turkey Enchiladas
These enchiladas are packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, shredded
- 8 tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fill tortillas with turkey, roll up, and place in a baking dish.
- Pour sauce over, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Use green sauce for a different twist!
Turkey Salad
Refresh your plate with a delightful turkey salad!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, diced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup cranberries
- Dressing of choice
Process:
- In a bowl, combine turkey, greens, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Make it Unique:
Add apples for a sweet crunch!
Turkey Pizza
This pizza is a family favorite for pizza night!
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza crust
- 1 cup turkey, shredded
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice
Process:
- Preheat oven according to crust instructions.
- Spread sauce on crust and top with turkey and cheese.
- Bake and enjoy when the cheese is bubbly!
Make it Unique:
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor!
Turkey Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a quick bite that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 large tortillas
- 1 cup turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Salsa for dipping
Process:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet, layer with turkey and cheese, and top with another tortilla.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, then cut and serve with salsa.
Make it Unique:
Add jalapeños for some spice!
Turkey Curry
A flavorful curry that transforms your leftovers into something exotic!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, diced
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons curry paste
- 1 cup vegetables (like peas or carrots)
Process:
- In a pot, combine turkey, coconut milk, and curry paste over medium heat.
- Add veggies and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve with rice or naan.
Make it Unique:
Try with different curry pastes for various flavors!
Turkey Pot Pie
This pot pie is a classic comfort dish that’ll please everyone!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 pie crust
Process:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix turkey, veggies, and soup in a pie pan. Cover with crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Make it Unique:
Top with mashed potatoes instead of a crust!
Turkey Hash
Start your day right with a filling turkey hash!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, chopped
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Oil for frying
Process:
- In a skillet, heat oil and cook potatoes until crispy.
- Add turkey, onion, and pepper; cook until heated through.
- Top with a fried egg if desired.
Make it Unique:
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different taste!
Turkey Pasta
Pasta is comfort food at its best with turkey!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pasta (any shape)
- 2 cups turkey, shredded
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
Process:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and return to pot; stir in turkey, spinach, and sauce until warmed.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheese if desired.
Make it Unique:
Add cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor!
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This stir-fry brings together flavors in a snap!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups turkey, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil for frying
Process:
- In a hot skillet, add oil and turkey, cooking until brown.
- Add vegetables and soy sauce; stir-fry until veggies are tender.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Make it Unique:
Try adding cashews for a crunchy texture!
Turkey Frittata
This frittata is a great way to start your day!
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup turkey, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like spinach and tomato)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook turkey and vegetables until soft, then pour in eggs.
- Cook on the stovetop briefly, then transfer to the oven and bake until set.
Make it Unique:
Add cheese before baking for extra richness!
Feel inspired to use that leftover turkey creatively! Each of these recipes offers a delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers while saving you time and minimizing waste. Try one or all, and transform your turkey into delightful meals everyone will love!