When Thanksgiving comes to a close, many of us are left wondering what to do with all those leftover turkey slices. The last thing you want to do is toss them out or let them go to waste! But fear not, dear readers – we’ve got you covered with 18 delicious and quick recipe ideas that will breathe new life into your post-holiday leftovers.
From savory soups and casseroles to sweet wraps and salads, we’re sharing our favorite ways to repurpose turkey in this article. Say goodbye to bland turkey sandwiches and hello to a world of flavor and creativity! In the next section, we’ll dive into the first 6 recipes on our list, including Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas and Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student looking for a quick meal solution, these recipes are sure to please.
Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and savory Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas, perfect for any occasion. This unique fusion of flavors combines the comfort of turkey with the tanginess of cranberries, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the turkey, cranberries, and orange marmalade until well combined.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the turkey-cranberry mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.
6. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines the richness of turkey with the nutty goodness of wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed wild rice blend (such as brown, black, and white)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the wild rice blend and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Add cooked turkey back into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
This recipe combines tender turkey, savory vegetables, and creamy sauce wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook turkey, onion, garlic, and mixed vegetables in a skillet until the turkey is no longer pink.
3. Mix flour and chicken broth; stir into the turkey mixture.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Spoon the turkey mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush with butter and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or holiday meal. This easy-to-make casserole combines the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in one delicious package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup store-bought stuffing mix
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of cranberry sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced turkey, stuffing mix, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the cranberry sauce over the top of the casserole.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Avocado Salad Wraps
Turkey and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe
A fresh twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines the flavors of juicy turkey, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and tangy tomato for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 4 whole wheat tortilla wraps
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced turkey, avocado slices, lettuce leaves, and tomato chunks.
2. Sprinkle feta cheese on top of the mixture, if using.
3. Lay a tortilla wrap flat and spoon about 1/4 cup of the salad mixture onto the center of the wrap.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrap to form a neat package.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
This recipe combines crispy turkey sausage with roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions for a flavorful and filling breakfast or brunch dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound turkey sausage
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 large bell peppers, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook turkey sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the turkey sausage. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine roasted sweet potatoes with turkey sausage mixture and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
This recipe combines tender turkey, crisp broccoli, and a rich alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add broccoli and turkey breast to the skillet. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta, turkey-broccoli mixture, and alfredo sauce in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Cornbread Skillet
A hearty one-pan wonder that combines the flavors of roasted turkey, savory cornbread, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast or thighs, diced
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large Yukon gold potato, peeled and cubed
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, combine the cornbread mix, water, heavy cream, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
3. Top the cornbread mixture with the diced turkey, mashed potatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and the potatoes are heated through.
5. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. With only 15 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy the combination of juicy turkey and crunchy vegetables in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked brown rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Pour the mixture over the turkey and vegetables, and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked brown rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Turkey and Mashed Potato Pancakes
These savory pancakes are a delicious way to use up leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. Perfect for a post-holiday brunch or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 1 cup diced cooked turkey breast
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, turkey, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Stir in melted butter and beaten egg until smooth.
3. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop mixture into balls.
4. Flatten each ball slightly to form a pancake shape.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pancakes for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A creative twist on traditional stuffed shells, this recipe combines the flavors of turkey, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Beat in the egg until smooth.
6. Stuff each pasta shell with the turkey-spinach mixture, then top with the ricotta-Parmesan mixture.
7. Place stuffed shells on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas
This recipe combines the savory flavor of turkey with the bold taste of black beans, wrapped in tender tortillas and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, shredded
– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
– 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the turkey and black beans; cook until heated through.
3. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. Assemble the enchiladas by placing a tortilla in a baking dish, spooning some of the turkey mixture onto the center, and rolling up. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, followed by the shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Cheddar Sliders
These mini burgers are packed with flavor, featuring juicy turkey patties topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce on a soft bun. Perfect for parties, snacks, or lunch, these sliders are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 4 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into 8-10 patties.
3. Grill turkey patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in the same pan until crispy.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a cooked turkey patty on each bun, topping with a slice of bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a lettuce leaf.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy and savory Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of turkey, mushrooms, and Arborio rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
3. Add rice and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.
5. Add warmed chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in butter and cooked turkey.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey and Gravy Shepherd’s Pie
This classic recipe combines tender turkey, savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes to create a satisfying and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey (white or dark meat), shredded
– 2 cups turkey broth
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together turkey broth and flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. Add butter, mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine mashed potatoes and a pinch of salt.
5. Pour turkey gravy mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded turkey and spread evenly.
6. Cover with mashed potato layer, spreading smoothly to cover the filling.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Egg Breakfast Burritos
A delicious and filling breakfast option that’s easy to make and packed with protein. These burritos are perfect for a busy morning or as a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked turkey sausage, crumbled
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, sliced avocado, salsa
Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. In a pan, cook the turkey sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the black beans to the pan and stir to combine with the turkey sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the burritos by adding scrambled eggs, turkey sausage mixture, and shredded cheese to each tortilla. Add any desired toppings.
6. Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a tight cylinder.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Zucchini Fritters
These flavorful fritters are packed with turkey, zucchini, and cheese, making them a great snack or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 medium zucchini, grated
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired fritter size.
4. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten slightly into patties.
5. Place patties onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Pesto Flatbread Pizza
Combine the flavors of Italy with a twist on traditional pizza – this Turkey and Pesto Flatbread Pizza is an easy and delicious meal option. Fresh pesto, crispy turkey, and melted mozzarella come together for a satisfying and flavorful flatbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked flatbread (or naan)
– 2 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 2 tbsp pesto
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the pesto evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with sliced turkey breast.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the turkey.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover turkey! This collection of 18 delicious recipes is sure to inspire you to try something new. From savory dishes like Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas, Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup, and Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry, to sweet treats like Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash and Turkey and Mashed Potato Pancakes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole or a quick and easy wrap, these recipes are perfect for using up leftover turkey and reducing food waste.
