15 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes

15 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

hearty turkey rice soup

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that transforms your Thanksgiving leftover turkey into a luscious, warming soup. With the addition of wild rice, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this soup provides a delicious way to use up leftovers while making a meal that feels fresh and nourishing. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Wild rice 1 cup
Chicken or turkey broth 6 cups
Carrots, diced 1 cup
Celery, diced 1 cup
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Thyme 1 teaspoon
Bay leaf 1 leaf
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and bring it to a boil. Add the wild rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  4. Stir in the shredded turkey and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
  5. Remove the bay leaf, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your cozy bowl of turkey and wild rice soup!
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Turkey Pot Pie

comforting turkey pot pie

Turkey Pot Pie is a comforting and delicious dish that repurposes leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a warm, flaky pie. Packed with a creamy filling of turkey, vegetables, and savory herbs, this pot pie is perfect for a cozy family meal and a delightful way to enjoy those holiday leftovers.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, cubed 2 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Chicken or turkey broth 1 cup
Cream or milk 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 (for top and bottom)
Egg (for egg wash) 1

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cubed turkey, broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything is heated through, and then remove from heat.
  4. Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish with one layer. Pour the turkey mixture into the pie crust.
  5. Cover with a second pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade turkey pot pie!
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Turkey Tacos

thanksgiving turkey taco recipe

Turkey Tacos are a fun and flavorful way to transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a quick and tasty meal. With bold seasonings and an assortment of fresh toppings, these tacos make for a delightful dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy. Plus, they’re a great way to bring a little Southwestern flair to your holiday leftovers!

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Taco seasoning 1 packet (about 1 oz)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Taco shells (soft or hard) 8-10
Shredded lettuce 1 cup
Diced tomatoes 1 cup
Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) 1 cup
Sour cream 1/2 cup
Sliced jalapeños (optional) 1/4 cup
Fresh cilantro (optional) 1/4 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded turkey and taco seasoning, mixing well to ensure the turkey is coated. Stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. While the turkey is heating, prepare your taco shells according to package instructions if necessary.
  3. Assemble the tacos by placing the turkey mixture in each shell, and then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro as desired.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious turkey tacos!
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Turkey Casserole

leftover turkey casserole recipe

Turkey casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that makes excellent use of leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It combines turkey with creamy sauce, vegetables, and a crunchy topping, all baked together for a delicious meal that the whole family will love. This casserole is easy to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, chopped 3 cups
Cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
Frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups
Milk 1/2 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup
Bread crumbs 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped turkey, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs with olive oil and half of the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the turkey mixture in the baking dish.
  5. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious turkey casserole!
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Turkey Salad Sandwiches

turkey salad sandwich recipe

Turkey salad sandwiches are a delightful way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This dish combines tender turkey with crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, all served between slices of bread or in a wrap. It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and can easily be tailored to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, chopped 2 cups
Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
Greek yogurt (optional) 1/4 cup
Celery, diced 1/2 cup
Red onion, diced 1/4 cup
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Lettuce leaves (for serving) As needed
Bread or wraps 4-6 slices or wraps

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped turkey, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), celery, red onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. For serving, lay down lettuce leaves on slices of bread or wraps.
  3. Spoon the turkey salad mixture onto the lettuce and top with another slice of bread or fold the wrap.
  4. Cut the sandwiches in half and enjoy!
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BBQ Turkey Sliders

bbq turkey sliders recipe

BBQ Turkey sliders are a scrumptious way to utilize leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a fun and festive mini sandwich form. These sliders are topped with tangy barbecue sauce and can be customized with coleslaw or pickles, making them a delicious and easy option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Barbecue sauce 1/2 cup
Slider buns 8
Coleslaw (optional) 1 cup
Pickles (optional) As needed
Cheese slices (optional) 4 slices

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded turkey with the barbecue sauce until well coated.
  2. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  3. Toast the slider buns lightly if desired.
  4. Spoon the BBQ turkey mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun, and top with coleslaw and pickles, if using.
  5. Place the top half of the slider buns on each and enjoy your delicious BBQ turkey sliders!
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Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

thai turkey lettuce wraps

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a light and refreshing way to enjoy leftover turkey from Thanksgiving while incorporating bold Thai flavors. These wraps are filled with seasoned turkey, crunchy vegetables, and topped with a tangy peanut sauce, making them a perfect option for a quick lunch or appetizer.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, chopped 2 cups
Lettuce leaves 8 large leaves
Carrots, shredded 1 cup
Red bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Green onions, chopped 2
Fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Lime juice 1 tablespoon
Peanut sauce 1/2 cup
Crushed peanuts (optional) As needed

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, and lime juice, stirring well to combine.
  2. Spoon the turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf, adding a drizzle of peanut sauce and crushed peanuts on top if desired.
  3. Roll the lettuce wrap up and enjoy your flavorful Thai turkey lettuce wraps!
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Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Pasta

turkey and mushroom pasta

Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that makes excellent use of your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and creamy sauce, along with sautéed mushrooms and flavorful turkey, creating a hearty meal perfect for any day after the holiday feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne) 8 ounces
Mushrooms, sliced 2 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Heavy cream 1 cup
Chicken broth 1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown.
  3. Stir in the shredded turkey, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy turkey and mushroom pasta!
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Turkey Chili

turkey leftovers transformed chili

Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that transforms your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a warm and comforting meal. This chili is packed with beans, spices, and vegetables, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s perfect for a cozy evening and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Canned black beans, rinsed 1 can (15 ounces)
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 ounces)
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Bell pepper, chopped 1 medium
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until tender.
  2. Stir in the shredded turkey, canned black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let the chili cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious turkey chili!
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Turkey Quesadillas

thanksgiving leftover quesadilla recipe

Turkey Quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. These cheesy, crispy tortillas are filled with shredded turkey and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as vegetables and different types of cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, Turkey Quesadillas are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Flour tortillas 4 large
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) 1 ½ cups
Bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Onion, diced 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salsa For serving
Sour cream For serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft.
  2. In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey with the sautéed vegetables and half of the cheese.
  3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, fill it with the turkey mixture, and top with some of the remaining cheese.
  4. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
  5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Serve hot with salsa and sour cream. Enjoy your tasty turkey quesadillas!

Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

turkey spinach stuffed shells

Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and hearty dish perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving leftovers. This recipe features large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of shredded turkey, spinach, and creamy cheese, baked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a delightful way to transform your turkey into a delicious, satisfying meal that is sure to impress!

Ingredients Quantity
Jumbo pasta shells 12-16 shells
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Shredded mozzarella cheese 1 ½ cups
Parmesan cheese, grated ½ cup
Marinara sauce 2 cups
Egg (optional) 1 (for binding)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If using, add the egg to bind the mixture.
  3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each cooked shell with the turkey mixture and place in the dish seam-side up.
  4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells!

Turkey Fried Rice

quick and tasty turkey dish

Turkey Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish that makes excellent use of leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. With a blend of vegetables, rice, and flavorful seasonings, it comes together in just a matter of minutes, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight meal. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil provides a savory kick that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked rice 3 cups
Cooked turkey, diced 2 cups
Eggs (beaten) 2
Green onions, chopped 3 stalks
Carrots, diced 1 cup
Frozen peas 1 cup
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced carrots and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Add the frozen peas and cooked turkey to the skillet, stirring until heated through.
  3. Push the turkey and vegetables to the side of the skillet, and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space, scrambling until fully cooked.
  4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, combining it with the turkey, vegetables, and eggs.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together, and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm. Enjoy your Turkey Fried Rice!

Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese

turkey and cranberry delight

Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This comforting dish melds the savory flavor of turkey with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, all melted together with gooey cheese. It’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy holiday leftovers while indulging in a nostalgic and delicious meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Bread (sourdough or sandwich) 4 slices
Cooked turkey, sliced 1 ½ cups
Cranberry sauce ½ cup
Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) 1 cup, shredded
Butter 2 tablespoons

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. On the unbuttered side, layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
  3. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan.
  5. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until the cheese melts and the other side is golden brown.
  6. Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm. Enjoy your Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese!

Turkey Noodle Soup

leftover turkey noodle soup

Turkey Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for utilizing leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. This hearty soup is filled with tender pieces of turkey, nourishing vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, creating a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s an excellent way to warm up on a chilly day while enjoying the flavors of the holiday.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, shredded 2 cups
Egg noodles 1 cup
Carrots, diced 1 cup
Celery, diced 1 cup
Onion, chopped ½ cup
Chicken broth 6 cups
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon
Parsley (fresh, chopped) ¼ cup (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Add the shredded turkey, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Noodle Soup!

Spaghetti With Turkey Meatballs

turkey meatballs with spaghetti

Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs is a fantastic way to repurpose your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a delicious and hearty meal. This dish combines tender turkey meatballs with a rich tomato sauce served over al dente spaghetti, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked turkey, ground 2 cups
Spaghetti 12 ounces
Egg 1 large
Breadcrumbs ½ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated ¼ cup
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Marinara sauce 2 cups
Fresh basil (for garnish) Optional, for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce and add the cooked meatballs. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delightful Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.