You might find yourself wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey after the holiday feast. Instead of settling for the same old sandwiches, consider transforming your turkey into something special. From creamy Turkey Tetrazzini to spicy Turkey Chili, there are options that can please a crowd or make a cozy dinner for one. Each dish not only highlights the turkey's flavor but also allows the chance to get creative with your ingredients. Curious about how these recipes can enhance your leftovers? Let's investigate what makes each one a standout choice.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that transforms leftover turkey into a comforting meal. This recipe combines tender turkey with spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce that's baked to perfection.
It's perfect for using up those holiday leftovers while providing a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for an additional minute.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the cooked turkey, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti with the turkey mixture, then transfer it to a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating other vegetables like peas or bell peppers into the mix.
You can also use leftover gravy instead of chicken broth for a richer taste.
If you prefer a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking; just increase the baking time by a few minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to customize the dish to your liking!
Turkey and Rice Casserole
Turkey and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that makes great use of leftover turkey, transforming it into a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. This casserole isn't only easy to prepare but also allows for flexibility with ingredients, letting you use whatever vegetables or seasonings you have on hand.
The combination of tender turkey, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce creates a delightful dish that the whole family will love, making it an excellent option for utilizing your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, broth, milk, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Stir until everything is well mixed. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms before adding them to the casserole mix.
You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs sprinkled on top before the final baking stage.
Finally, this casserole can be easily customized: feel free to throw in leftover vegetables or swap out the cheese for your favorite variety to make this dish your own!
Turkey Chili
Transform your leftover turkey into a hearty and flavorful turkey chili that will warm you up on chilly days. This easy-to-follow recipe makes use of your Thanksgiving turkey while packing a punch of spices, beans, and vegetables.
It's perfect for meal prep, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it with some warm cornbread or over rice for a filling meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together.
Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
For an extra flavor boost, consider letting the chili simmer longer or even make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop more deeply.
You can customize the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer uncovered.
This turkey chili freezes well, so store any leftovers in airtight containers for a quick meal later.
Turkey Soup
Transform your leftover turkey into a comforting and hearty turkey soup that's perfect for warming up on chilly days. This easy recipe utilizes the rich flavors of the turkey along with seasonal vegetables and herbs to create a delicious meal that's packed with nutrients. It's a wonderful way to repurpose your holiday feast and enjoy the savory goodness of turkey long after the festivities have ended.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, and add the shredded turkey, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the green beans and peas, and if using, the uncooked egg noodles.
Continue to simmer until the noodles are cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 10 more minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
When making turkey soup, feel free to customize it with any vegetables you have on hand, such as corn, potatoes, or spinach.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. If you want a thicker soup, you can blend some of the broth with cooked vegetables and then stir it back into the pot.
This soup also freezes well, so don't hesitate to make a large batch and store portions for a quick meal on busy days.
Turkey Enchiladas
Transform your leftover turkey into a delicious and satisfying meal with these turkey enchiladas. This dish combines tender turkey with a flavorful enchilada sauce and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite way to repurpose your holiday turkey.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the shredded turkey, black beans (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
Take a tortilla, fill it with the turkey mixture, sprinkle a little cheese on top, and roll it up.
Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
Once all tortillas are filled and arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your turkey enchiladas by adding your favorite ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, use a spicy enchilada sauce or add some cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture.
For a healthier version, you can opt for whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese.
Leftover turkey enchiladas also freeze well, so consider making a double batch to enjoy later on busy nights!