Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Before you freeze leftover turkey, decide how you want to use it. Here is a list of things I do before diving into the recipes. Turkey should last in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 3-5 months.

• Remove the meat from the bones, then make an awesome stock with the bones.
• You can slice the breast meat for sandwiches, then freeze the slices between double sheets of parchment paper and in a freezer ziplock bag. Slip a knife between the sheets of parchment paper and pop out as many slices as you want for that meal.
• Shred the turkey for soups and stews, then freeze it in recipe-size portions in freezer bags.
• Chop the thigh meat into 1-inch cubes to top salads.

Safety Tip: Please remove the stuffing from the turkey if you baked it in the cavity, then freeze or refrigerate it separately.

Mouthwatering Recipes Ideal for Leftover Turkey

Swapping Out Chicken

1. Turkey Lasagna

Our family’s favorite recipe is lasagna, and it’s super easy to replace the chicken with turkey. Al dente noodles, umami-loaded mushrooms, healthy spinach, and a rich three-cheese sauce will never disappoint.

2. Turkey Enchiladas

This recipe is a spicy, cheesy, and hearty way to enjoy leftover turkey (replace the chicken). The homemade enchilada sauce is the secret to great enchiladas.

3. Fiesta Turkey Casserole

Cook your pasta, mix all the ingredients, top with cheese, and bake for a fast and easy weeknight meal. This spicy Tex-Mex dinner is sure to please the entire family.

4. Creamy Turkey Pasta Salad

Healthy, satisfying, oh-so-easy, flavor-packed are the best descriptions of this recipe. Bring summer vibes to those chilly days with this fantastic one-dish meal! You could also make a turkey salad sandwich.

5. Cream of Turkey Soup

This recipe is a reader favorite! The rich, creamy, thick texture is enticingly good! I’ve replaced the cream with evaporated milk for a lower-calorie version. Pair it with crusty no-knead bread for a soul-satisfying meal!

6. Southwest Turkey Salad

Enjoy a healthy main course salad with a fantastic salad dressing. The Tex-Mex flavors and hearty veggies, along with turkey, will give you a head start on New Year’s resolutions.

Turkey Add-Ins

7. Brunswick Stew

This one-pot meal offers a versatile variety of meat and vegetables in a flavorful BBQ-based sauce. It’s especially comforting on cold nights with cornbread—a must-have when the weather starts cooling off.

8. Quiche Lorraine

I love a good quiche for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Add half a cup of cubed turkey to the mix, and bake it for an uncomplicated lunch.

9. Hoppin’ John

Don’t wait for New Year’s Eve to enjoy this hearty black-eyed pea recipe. I add a teaspoon of smoked paprika if using roasted instead of smoked turkey.

10. Ham and Bean Soup

This recipe is more than a great way to use leftover holiday ham; it’s also tasty with leftover turkey. A warm hug in a bowl meal that also freezes well.

11. Red Beans and Rice

What’s not to love about this smoky, spicy, and comforting bean and rice combo? This Southern classic with delightfully complex yet satisfying flavors is a must-have on a weekly rotation. Take this soul food recipe to the next level by adding a cup of leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

12. Southern Mustard Greens

Want some green on your dinner table? Whip up these braised dark leafy greens packed with flavor and nutrition. An easy, soulful meal that has tons of flavor!

13. Stuffed Green Bell Peppers

Instead of browning ground beef, mix in a cup of diced turkey, and you’re set. Now that’s a guilt-free, healthy post-Thanksgiving meal you can whip up in no time!

14. Chef Salad

Add leftover turkey for a higher protein version of this main meal salad that has everything. It comes together in less than no time and adds refreshing greens for a healthy lunch. Cobb salad also loves having turkey added to its layers.

15. Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Add a layer of chopped turkey to an already filling, main-course salad. Another great head start on your healthy New Year’s resolutions. Avocado corn salad is another tasty salad you can increase the protein with leftover turkey.