Wondering what to do with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? These easy leftover turkey recipes are a great way to turn cooked turkey into something new without starting from scratch. From comforting soups and casseroles to sandwiches, tacos, fried rice, and salads, there are plenty of ways to use up leftover turkey.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Whether you have a little turkey left or enough for several meals, this list has ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most of these recipes are simple, practical, and perfect for the days after Thanksgiving when you want something good to eat without another big cooking project.
How to Store Leftover Turkey After Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner can last for hours, but once the meal is over, it's best to get the leftovers stored properly so you can enjoy them in the days ahead.
- Pack it up after dinner: Once everyone has finished eating, remove the turkey from the bones and divide it into smaller portions.
- Refrigerate promptly: Place the turkey in shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate it as soon as practical after the meal.
- Use within 3 to 4 days: Keep leftover turkey refrigerated and use it within this time for the best safety and quality.
- Freeze what you won't eat: Freeze extra turkey in airtight containers or freezer bags if you won't use it within a few days.
- Thaw in the refrigerator: Move frozen turkey to the refrigerator to thaw before using it.
- Make another meal: Use the leftovers in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, salads, tacos, fried rice, and other easy recipes. The recipes below will give you ideas on ways to use up leftover turkey.
Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
Turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a satisfying protein-packed sandwich with your favorite toppings and sauces. It’s a simple choice for brunch or lunch when you want something quick after the holiday meal.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Creamy and comforting, turkey tetrazzini combines cooked turkey with pasta and a rich sauce for a hearty family dinner. It’s a great way to turn leftover meat into a completely different meal.
Frittata Breakfast Muffins
Start the morning with these savory frittata muffins made with leftover turkey, veggies and other Thanksgiving ingredients. They’re easy to portion and work well for on-the-go breakfast.
Leftover Turkey Salad
One of the leftover turkey recipes that I like to make ahead right after Thanksgiving. Made with cranberries, pecans, and cooked turkey. You can serve it over a slice of bread or fresh lettuce.
Leftover Turkey Soup
Nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of homemade turkey soup after Thanksgiving. This recipe turns leftover turkey into a cozy meal with a flavorful broth, veggies, herbs, and noodles.
Looking for more soup ideas that use leftover turkey? See our collection of leftover turkey soup recipes.
Turkey Pot Pie
Packed with tender turkey, creamy sauce, and a flaky, golden crust. It’s the perfect way to repurpose leftover turkey into a classic comfort food.
Leftover Turkey Potato Hash
Crisp potatoes and leftover turkey make a hearty skillet meal that's especially handy when you also have extra vegetables to use. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or a simple dinner.
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Pile tortilla chips high with leftover turkey and your favorite nacho toppings for a fun way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. This is an easy option for a casual meal or a party snack!
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
Small but satisfying, these turkey sliders turn holiday leftovers into an easy meal or party-friendly bite. Add cranberry sauce, cheese, or your favorite sandwich toppings to make them your own.
Leftover Turkey Chilli Con Carne
Hearty chili gives leftover turkey a bold new direction with beans, tomatoes, and warming spices. It’s a comforting dinner for the cooler days following Thanksgiving.
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Mashed potatoes make a natural topping for this cozy shepherd’s pie, while leftover turkey and vegetables fill the savory layer underneath. It's a smart way to bring several Thanksgiving leftovers together.
Turkey Salad Wraps
Wrapped in a soft tortilla, leftover turkey with grapes, cranberries and pecans make a convenient lunch that doesn't feel like another Thanksgiving dinner. They're easy to customize with your favorite dressing and fillings.
Turkey Stew
Slowly simmered with vegetables, herbs, and a savory broth, this turkey stew turns leftover meat into a warm and filling dinner. It's especially suited to a chilly day when you want something substantial.
Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
This Mexican-inspired dish is a flavorful change from traditional Thanksgiving leftovers. It has turkey, black beans, corn, flour tortillas and covered in red sauce and melted cheese.
Turkey Fried Rice
Transform leftover turkey and cooked rice into a quick skillet meal with vegetables and savory seasonings. It's a practical option when you want to use several leftovers at once.
Leftover Turkey Tacos
A crowd favorite and my favorite way of using up leftover turkey. Filled with juicy turkey, warm tortillas, fresh toppings, and a flavorful sauce from spice mix, these tacos make a simple and satisfying meal.
More leftover recipe ideas:
Leave a Comment