10+ Leftover Turkey Recipes to Make Your Holiday Meals Delicious and Easy

Leftover turkey can pile up fast after a big meal. You might wonder what to do with it all without getting bored.

There are simple and tasty ways to turn your leftover turkey into new dishes you’ll actually enjoy eating again. Using leftovers well saves food and helps cut down on waste.

You don’t have to stick with sandwiches or cold cuts. Leftover turkey works in all sorts of meals, depending on your mood and how much time you’ve got.

Whether you want something quick or you’re in the mood to cook a bit longer, there are plenty of options to try.

1) Turkey Tortilla Soup

Turkey tortilla soup is a flavorful way to use up leftover turkey. It gets a gentle kick from chipotle peppers and has plenty of veggies and crispy tortilla strips.

You can make the broth with turkey bones for extra depth. This soup comes together quickly, so it’s great when you want a warm, comforting meal but don’t feel like fussing.

The crispy tortilla strips add a nice crunch, and you can adjust the spice level however you want. If you love Mexican flavors, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded
• 4 cups turkey broth (homemade from bones if you’ve got them)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until they’re soft.

3. Add diced tomatoes, corn, chipotle peppers, turkey broth, and shredded turkey.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Fry tortilla strips in a pan until crispy.

6. Serve soup topped with crispy tortilla strips and cilantro if you’re into that.

2) Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic way to use up leftover turkey. You mix turkey with pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce.

It’s warm, comforting, and honestly feels like a treat. Baking it with cheese on top gives you that golden, melty finish.

The sauce usually has Parmesan and sometimes a splash of sherry or cream cheese for extra flavor. You can find an easy recipe here.

Ingredients

• Cooked turkey, chopped
• Cooked pasta (spaghetti or egg noodles)
• Mushrooms, sliced
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Turkey broth
• White wine or sherry (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook mushrooms in butter until soft.

3. Stir in cream cheese, broth, and wine until smooth.

4. Add turkey and cooked pasta, mix it all together.

5. Pour mixture into a baking dish.

6. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.

7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Turkey Pot Pie Gratin

Turkey pot pie gratin is a cozy way to use up leftovers. It’s a creamy turkey casserole with a crispy topping.

You can easily make it gluten-free with the right flour and breadcrumbs. This dish brings together turkey, veggies, and a rich sauce.

Bake it until the top is golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that still feels a little special.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand. Leftover turkey adds protein and makes things easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Melt butter in a pan, add flour, cook for 2 minutes.

3. Slowly whisk in milk, cook until thick.

4. Stir in turkey, vegetables, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

4) Turkey ‘Carnitas’ Tacos

You can turn leftover turkey into carnitas-style tacos that are honestly pretty awesome. Shred the turkey with a fork, then toss it with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

Cook the mixture in a pan with a little oil or duck fat until the edges get crispy. That’s where the magic happens.

Serve the turkey on warm tortillas. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp oil or duck fat
• 8 small tortillas
• Optional: diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or fat in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).

2. Add shredded turkey and spices, stir to combine.

3. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy edges form.

4. Warm tortillas in another pan or microwave.

5. Fill tortillas with turkey mixture and add toppings.

5) Slow-Cooker Turkey and Lemon Couscous Soup

This slow-cooker soup is an easy way to use leftover turkey. The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor.

Couscous gives it a nice texture without making things too heavy. Start with turkey wings and meat—they help build a rich broth.

Add carrots and herbs like thyme and bay leaves for more flavor. Let it cook low and slow so everything blends together.

Toss in the couscous near the end so it stays tender. Stir in lemon juice at the last minute for a burst of brightness.

Ingredients

• 2 cooked turkey wings with bones and skin
• 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey meat (dark and light)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups water or turkey broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté carrots until soft.

2. Add turkey wings, cooked turkey meat, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and water or broth to the slow cooker.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Remove turkey wings, shred any meat left, and return it to the pot.

5. Stir in pearl couscous and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.

6. Add lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and stir before serving.

You can check out a detailed recipe here.

6) Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey enchiladas are a super easy way to use leftover turkey. Just roll shredded turkey in tortillas, then cover with enchilada sauce and cheese.

You can add onions, garlic, and black beans for more flavor. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Customize with your favorite toppings—cilantro, lime, whatever you like. It’s a solid option for an easy dinner after the holidays.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 8-10 soft tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup black beans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix turkey, onion, garlic, and black beans.

3. Spoon mixture into tortillas and roll up tight.

4. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.

5. Pour enchilada sauce over the top.

6. Sprinkle cheese evenly.

7. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts.

7) Turkey Divan Casserole

Turkey Divan is another go-to for leftover turkey. Mix turkey with fresh broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce.

This casserole is simple, comforting, and a perfect weeknight dinner. The sauce usually includes a Mornay, which is just a fancy way of saying creamy cheese sauce.

Add a crispy topping like fried panko for extra crunch. Bake until bubbly and golden.

You can swap in leftover chicken if you want. It’s a tasty way to make leftovers feel like a whole new meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Steam broccoli until tender.

3. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour to make a paste.

4. Slowly add milk, whisking until sauce thickens.

5. Stir in cheese until melted, season with salt and pepper.

6. Mix turkey, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.

7. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8) Turkey Paninis

Turkey paninis are such a tasty way to use up leftover turkey. Toss in some cranberry sauce, cheese, and maybe a swipe of mustard if you’re feeling fancy.

The bread crisps up beautifully, and everything inside gets warm and gooey. For a little crunch, try mixing in chopped apples, celery, or even pecans.

Swiss or provolone cheese both melt nicely and make the panini extra creamy. Toast the sandwich in a panini press, or just use a hot skillet if that’s what you’ve got.

It’s quick, and it makes a great lunch or a light dinner. Use any bread you like—sourdough or ciabatta are pretty solid choices.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey slices
• Cranberry sauce
• Swiss or provolone cheese
• Bread (sourdough or ciabatta)
• Mustard (optional)
• Chopped apples, celery, or pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread mustard on the bread if you want it.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on one slice.
3. Toss on apples, celery, or pecans if you’re using them.
4. Top with the other slice of bread.
5. Grill in a panini press or skillet for 4-5 minutes at about 350°F (175°C), until the bread turns golden and the cheese melts.
6. Slice it up and eat while it’s warm.

9) Barbecue Style Shredded Turkey

Leftover turkey just begs for barbecue sauce, doesn’t it? Shred the turkey into bite-sized pieces and toss it in your favorite barbecue sauce.

Simmer everything together—onions and celery add a little crunch and depth. You can do this in a pot or let it hang out in a slow cooker if you’re not in a hurry.

Pile the saucy turkey onto sandwich buns or spoon it over rice. Either way, it’s juicy and satisfying.

Coleslaw on the side? Always a good call.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs shredded leftover turkey
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss turkey, onion, celery, barbecue sauce, and water into a pot or slow cooker.
2. Add salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring now and then, until it’s all heated through.
4. Serve warm on buns or over rice.

Need more ideas? Here’s a slow-cooker barbecue pulled turkey recipe.

10) Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Turkey Bolognese is a clever way to stretch out leftover turkey. Shred the meat and cook it down with marinara sauce plus a handful of simple seasonings.

It’s hearty, but honestly, it feels lighter than your usual beef Bolognese. Use dark meat, white meat, or a mix—whatever you’ve got left.

Fresh basil gives it a pop of flavor. Spoon the sauce over spaghetti or whatever pasta you’re craving.

You can get this on the table in about half an hour. Not bad when you want something cozy and homemade without a ton of effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shredded cooked turkey
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onion and garlic. Let them cook until they’re soft and smell amazing.

3. Add the shredded turkey. Stir it around and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes.

4. Pour in the marinara sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes.

5. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust if you want.

6. Boil the pasta by following the package instructions.

7. Serve the sauce over your pasta. Enjoy—seriously, it’s good.

Need more details? Check out this Turkey Bolognese recipe.