Leftover turkey can be a valuable ingredient that allows for creativity in the kitchen. After the big holiday meal, many people are left wondering what to do with all that extra meat. I will share eight of the best recipes to transform leftover turkey into delicious new meals.
Finding ways to use leftovers not only minimizes waste but also helps save time on busy days. From hearty soups to flavorful salads, there are many options to explore. These recipes will make it easy to enjoy turkey in a whole new way.
1. Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie is a comforting dish that turns leftover turkey into a delicious meal. It combines turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked under a golden crust. This recipe is easy to make and great for using up extra turkey after a holiday meal.
To begin, I gather my ingredients. I need shredded leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, and pie crusts.
Here are the simple steps:
- Preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until soft.
- Stir in 1/3 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk until smooth, cooking until thick.
- Add 2 cups of shredded turkey and 2 cups of mixed vegetables to the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a pie crust in a baking dish. Cover with a second crust, seal edges, and cut slits on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
This dish is a warm and hearty way to enjoy leftover turkey.
2. Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta dish that is perfect for using leftover turkey. It combines turkey with spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich sauce. It’s simple to prepare and very satisfying.
To make Turkey Tetrazzini, I start by cooking my pasta. I usually use about 8 ounces of spaghetti. I cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
Next, I sauté one cup of sliced mushrooms in a pan. Once they are soft, I add ¼ cup of diced onion and cook until translucent.
Then, I mix in 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey. I pour in 2 cups of cream and a cup of chicken broth, stirring well. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
After that, I combine the cooked spaghetti with the turkey mixture. I pour everything into a baking dish and top with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Finally, I bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Turkey Tetrazzini is a wonderful way to enjoy leftover turkey in a delicious new way.
3. Turkey and Rice Soup
Turkey and Rice Soup is a comforting dish that turns leftover turkey into a delicious meal. It’s simple to make and can be ready in under an hour.
To start, I use about 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey. I also gather 1 cup of rice, 4 cups of chicken broth, and any vegetables I have on hand, like carrots or celery.
Here’s how I prepare it:
- In a large pot, I heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- I add chopped vegetables and sauté them for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Next, I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, I add the rice and let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Finally, I stir in the shredded turkey and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
This soup is not only easy to make but also helps reduce food waste. I enjoy adding my favorite herbs for extra flavor. It’s a delightful way to enjoy my turkey leftovers.
4. Leftover Turkey Curry
Leftover turkey curry is a simple and tasty way to use up any extra turkey from your meal. This dish combines tender turkey with spices and a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
To make this delicious curry, I start with shredded turkey. I sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan until they soften. Next, I add my favorite curry powder and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
After that, I stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. I let this simmer for about 10 minutes. In the last couple of minutes, I add my turkey to heat it through.
I usually serve the curry with rice or naan bread. This meal doesn’t take long—around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the leftover turkey while trying something new.
This leftover turkey curry is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
5. Turkey Enchiladas
Turkey enchiladas are a delicious way to use leftover turkey. They are rolled tortillas filled with turkey, cheese, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
To make turkey enchiladas, I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). I gather my leftover turkey, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
Next, I shred the turkey into bite-sized pieces. Then, I warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll.
After that, I spoon turkey into each tortilla, add cheese, and roll them up. I place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
I pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle more cheese. Then, I bake them for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
These enchiladas are not only tasty, but they are also satisfying. They are a great way to turn leftover turkey into a new meal that the whole family will enjoy.
6. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Turkey stuffed peppers are a delicious way to use leftover turkey. They combine turkey with rice, vegetables, and spices, all baked inside bell peppers. This dish is healthy and filling.
Making turkey stuffed peppers is quite easy. I usually prepare them in about 30 minutes, plus baking time.
Here are the steps I follow:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of leftover turkey, cooked rice, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and your choice of spices. Mix well.
- Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Stuff the mixture into each pepper and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
The result is a tasty and satisfying meal that makes good use of leftover turkey.
7. Turkey Salad Sandwich
A turkey salad sandwich is a delicious way to use leftover turkey. It combines turkey with other ingredients to create a flavorful filling. I find this dish simple and quick to prepare.
To make a turkey salad sandwich, I usually start with the following ingredients: chopped turkey, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. I often add spices or herbs for extra flavor.
Here’s how I prepare it:
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups of chopped turkey with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped celery and 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve on my choice of bread or a roll.
I enjoy adding lettuce or tomato for fresh crunch. This sandwich is easy to customize, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
8. Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza
Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza is a tasty way to use leftover turkey. It’s simple to make and combines flavors that many enjoy.
To start, I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C). I use a pre-made pizza crust or make my own.
Next, I spread some pizza sauce evenly over the crust. I then add shredded leftover turkey, which gives it great flavor. I like to sprinkle some cheese on top, ensuring I cover the turkey.
For added taste, I sometimes toss on vegetables like spinach or sliced tomatoes.
I bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Once it’s ready, I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces. This pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy my Thanksgiving leftovers.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Turkey?
Turkey is a nutritious meat choice, packed with benefits that support a healthy diet. It provides essential protein, vitamins, and minerals that can enhance overall health.
How Is Turkey High in Protein?
I value turkey for its high protein content. A 3-ounce serving of turkey offers about 25 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent source for muscle repair and growth.
Protein also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. It helps keep me full longer, which can assist in weight management. Unlike some red meats, turkey is usually lower in fat, making it a heart-friendly option.
Including turkey in meals can support my body’s needs, especially when engaged in physical activity. Whether grilled, roasted, or made into a casserole, turkey can easily fit into various recipes.
What Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Turkey?
Turkey is not just protein-rich; it also boasts a variety of vitamins and minerals. It contains B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which are crucial for energy production and brain health.
Additionally, turkey provides essential minerals like selenium, which supports immune function, and zinc, important for wound healing. This combination of nutrients helps maintain my health and vitality.
I appreciate that turkey is versatile and can be part of many nutritious meals. Whether I’m making a salad, sandwich, or soup, the vitamins and minerals in turkey enhance the dish’s nutritional profile.
