12 Ways To Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey All Week
After the Thanksgiving feast, there’s always one thing that lingers in the fridge longer than the mashed potatoes: leftover turkey. While turkey sandwiches are the default, they get boring fast. The good news? That tender, flavorful meat is incredibly versatile. With a little creativity, you can turn those leftovers into entirely new meals throughout the week. These 12 turkey recipes go beyond basic and make sure nothing goes to waste, without tasting like a repeat.
1. Turkey and Vegetable Soup
A filling soup made with turkey and vegetables is a great way to use up leftovers, especially the smaller pieces of turkey that aren’t suitable for sandwiches. Add the chopped turkey, broth, and your preferred grains or vegetables after sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery. Simmer until everything is soft. The vegetables keep it light, and the turkey adds protein. As the temperature drops, it’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner because it’s warming, nourishing, and freezes well.
2. Turkey Fried Rice
Combine day-old rice, frozen peas, scrambled eggs, and a little soy sauce to make a quick stir-fry with leftover turkey. Simple pantry ingredients are used to make turkey fried rice, which takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. To achieve a delicious seared flavor, cook the turkey over high heat after chopping it small enough to blend with the other ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to turn Thanksgiving flavors into something completely unique and inspired by other cultures.
3. Turkey Quesadillas
If you have any leftover turkey, cheeses, or vegetables, quesadillas are a great way to use them up. Between tortillas, arrange shredded turkey, cheese, and toppings like spinach, onions, or peppers. Cook until golden and crispy. Serve with sour cream or salsa for dipping. They make a fantastic weeknight dinner or lunch, and the crispy outside and melted cheese transform the turkey into something luscious and filling.
4. Creamy Turkey Pasta Bake
Add chopped turkey to cooked pasta, frozen veggies like broccoli or peas, and a homemade or store-bought creamy sauce. Add grated cheese on top, then bake until bubbly. This is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make, and satisfying one-dish comfort meal. The turkey is kept moist by the creamy sauce, and the flavors are enhanced by baking everything together. After the holiday, it’s especially helpful if you’re trying to feed a family with little work.
5. Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese
This sandwich adds a gourmet touch to your turkey with its sweet-savory flavor. Sandwich slices of bread with turkey slices, a dollop of the remaining cranberry sauce, and your preferred cheese (such as sharp cheddar, Swiss, or brie). Grill until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. The turkey becomes the hearty focal point of this updated classic, while the cheese adds richness and the cranberry adds brightness.
6. Turkey Chili
A great way to stretch leftover turkey into multiple meals is with chili. Add the chopped turkey, beans, canned tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and sautéed onions and garlic. To allow the flavors to combine, let it simmer. It works with both white and dark meat, and you can make it mild or spicy. Serve with cornbread, rice, or bread for a filling, high-protein supper.
7. Turkey Pot Pie
A warm and inviting way to create a second dish that will steal the show is with turkey pot pie. Top with pastry or biscuit dough after combining the turkey and vegetables in a creamy gravy. Bake until bubbling and golden. For convenience, frozen mixed vegetables make a great crust, and you can make your own or use a premade one. The end effect is a filling, sentimental dinner that makes Thanksgiving seem like it went on forever, in the best way possible.
8. Turkey Tacos
Try these easy weeknight tacos to add some spiciness to your turkey. Serve the taco-seasoned, heated turkey shreds on tortillas with avocado, salsa, cheese, and lettuce. Depending on your preference, you can use soft tortillas or hard shells. It’s a simple method to deviate from the holiday flavor profile without sacrificing speed or satisfaction. Additionally, turkey tacos are a great way to let everyone personalize their plate.
9. Turkey Breakfast Hash
You’re halfway to a tasty breakfast hash if you have leftover potatoes and turkey. Add the chopped turkey, onions, and peppers after the potatoes have been diced and cooked until crisp. Add a scrambled or fried egg on top. It’s easy enough for a weekday breakfast but substantial enough for brunch. It’s also a fun way to eat turkey without feeling like you’re reheating last night’s meal.
10. Turkey Ramen or Noodle Soup
Swap out the traditional chicken in noodle soup or ramen for turkey. Use store-bought broth or Use turkey instead of the more common chicken in ramen or noodle soup. Add noodles, greens, carrots, and sliced turkey to a store-bought or homemade broth made from the turkey carcass. For added depth, add some ginger, garlic, or a little soy sauce. This is a filling, slurpable dish that helps you burn off meat and bones in a healthy way while also warming you up.
11. Turkey Caesar Wraps
A tasty protein base for Caesar wraps is chopped turkey. Wrap the turkey in a tortilla or flatbread after tossing it with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated parmesan. For crunch, add extras like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. Perfect for lunchboxes or quick meals on the run during a hectic post-holiday week, it’s a lighter, fresher way to enjoy leftovers without having to reheat them.
12. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Place a mixture of chopped turkey, cooked rice or quinoa, cheese, and herbs inside hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake until the filling is hot and the peppers are tender. This is a well-balanced, vegetable-focused meal that keeps things tasty and nutritious while making use of leftovers from the refrigerator. They are ideal for a midweek meal that feels very different from Thanksgiving leftovers because you can prepare them in advance and bake them when they are ready.
