15 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

6. Turkey and Rice Casserole

If you’re in the mood for comfort food, a turkey and rice casserole is the perfect solution. This dish combines leftover turkey with rice, cream of mushroom soup, and your choice of vegetables for a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, turkey, soup, vegetables, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

7. Turkey Tacos

Transform your leftover turkey into a fun taco night! Using shredded turkey as the main filling, you can create delicious tacos that are quick and easy to whip up.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, taco seasoning, taco shells, toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado, etc.).
Instructions: In a skillet over medium heat, add the shredded turkey and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Stir to combine and heat through.
Fill taco shells with the turkey mixture and top with your favorite toppings.

8. Turkey Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. Turkey soup is an excellent way to use up leftover turkey while creating a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients: 4 cups turkey broth, 2 cups shredded turkey, 1 cup carrots (diced), 1 cup celery (diced), 1 cup onions (chopped), 1 cup noodles or rice, herbs (like thyme and parsley), salt, and pepper.
Instructions: In a large pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add the turkey broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the noodles or rice and cook until tender.
Add the shredded turkey and herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

9. Turkey Salad

For a lighter option, consider making a turkey salad. This dish is versatile and can be served on its own, in a sandwich, or on a bed of greens.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 apple (diced), 1/4 cup celery (chopped), 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped), salt, and pepper to taste.
Instructions: In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey, mayonnaise, yogurt, apple, celery, and walnuts.
Season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

10. Turkey Pot Pie

Give your leftover turkey a new lease on life with a comforting turkey pot pie. This dish is perfect for using up turkey and vegetables while providing a flaky, buttery crust.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, 1 cup mixed vegetables, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 package refrigerated pie crusts, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine turkey, vegetables, soup, salt, and pepper.
Place one pie crust in a pie dish and fill with the turkey mixture. Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges.
Make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Turkey Fried Rice

Quick and easy, turkey fried rice is a fantastic way to use up your turkey and leftover rice from dinner. It’s a great one-pan meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup shredded turkey, 2 eggs, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: In a large skillet or wok, scramble the eggs and set aside. In the same skillet, add the rice, turkey, peas, and carrots.
Stir in soy sauce, and cook until everything is heated through. Mix in the scrambled eggs and top with chopped green onions before serving.

12. Turkey Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey. They’re perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, and they can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), tortillas, salsa, and any additional toppings (like jalapeños or bell peppers).
Instructions: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese, turkey, and any additional toppings.
Fold the tortilla over and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side before serving with salsa.

13. Turkey Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty dish, turkey chili is an excellent option. It’s packed with flavor and can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded turkey, 1 can black beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, topped with cheese or sour cream if desired.

14. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a fun and filling option for using leftover turkey. They can be made ahead and baked just before serving for a delicious meal.

Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells, 2 cups shredded leftover turkey, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup spinach (cooked and chopped), 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
In a bowl, mix together turkey, ricotta, spinach, and half of the mozzarella. Stuff each shell with the turkey mixture and place in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

15. Turkey Breakfast Hash

Start your day off right with a hearty turkey breakfast hash. This dish combines leftover turkey with potatoes, eggs, and vegetables for a filling breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients: 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 cup shredded turkey, 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 onion (chopped), 4 eggs, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: In a large skillet, cook the diced potatoes until golden brown and tender. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
Stir in the turkey and heat through. Create wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well. Cover and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey can be a delightful starting point for a variety of delicious meals. From casseroles to soups, salads to tacos, these recipes for leftover turkey ensure that nothing goes to waste and that your meals remain exciting. Get creative, mix and match flavors, and enjoy the versatility of your holiday bird long after the festivities have ended!

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Bonus: Turkey Pot Pie

For a comforting, classic dish, turkey pot pie is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey. The flaky crust paired with savory filling makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded turkey, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1 pie crust.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix together turkey, vegetables, soup, broth, and thyme.
Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Turkey Fried Rice

Transform your leftover turkey into a quick and easy fried rice dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 cup shredded turkey, 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), 2 eggs, soy sauce, green onions.
Instructions: In a large skillet, scramble the eggs and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the mixed vegetables until tender.
Add the rice and turkey, stirring to combine. Pour in soy sauce to taste and mix well. Stir in the scrambled eggs and top with chopped green onions before serving.

Turkey Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a delicious way to use leftover turkey, packed with flavor and topped with cheese and sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients: 2 cups shredded turkey, 8 corn tortillas, 1 can enchilada sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese, diced onions, and cilantro.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, warm tortillas until pliable. Fill each tortilla with turkey, onions, and cheese, then roll tightly.
Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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