TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPES

TURKEY ENCHILADAS WITH OLIVES



TURKEY LEFTOVER ENCHILADAS WITH OLIVES

Serves 6–8


INGREDIENTS

For the Filling

  • 2 ½–3 cups cooked turkey, shredded

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

  • 1 cup black olives, sliced (reserve a few for topping)

  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Enchiladas


INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce over the bottom of the pan.


2. Make the Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until soft.

  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  4. Stir in turkey, green chiles, sliced olives, corn, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  5. Cook 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

  6. Remove from heat and mix in 1 ½ cups shredded cheese.


3. Warm the Tortillas

To prevent tearing:

  • Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet
    or

  • Microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20–30 seconds.


4. Assemble Enchiladas

  1. Place a spoonful of filling on each tortilla.

  2. Roll tightly and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.

  3. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.

  4. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups cheese.

  5. Add extra sliced olives across the top.


5. Bake

  • Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.


SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Garnish with cilantro or green onions

  • Serve with lime wedges

  • Add sour cream or avocado on top

  • Pair with Spanish rice or a fresh salad


OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

Creamy Verde Version

Use green enchilada sauce + add ½ cup sour cream to the filling.

Spicy Chipotle

Add 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo + ½ tsp smoked paprika.

Fiesta Bake

Layer tortillas casserole-style instead of rolling them.


OTHER RECIPES

A great Turkey leftover recipe to try !

INGREDIENTS
  • 3 tbsp butter or margarine
  • 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives
  • 1/2 cup toasted almond slivers
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • oil
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
INSTRUCTIONS

Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add mushrooms and onion; saute' until onion is tender. Remove from heat and stir in turkey, undiluted soup, sour cream, olives, almonds and chili powder.

Briefly cook tortillas in hot oil until softened; drain on paper towels.

Place 1/3 Cup turkey mixture in center of each tortilla.

Bring opposite sides of each tortilla up over turkey mixture overlapping edges at center. Arrange, seamside down, on a greased 9x13 and a 8x8 baking dish. Spoon remaining turkey mixture down center of each enchilada.

Sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake @ 400~ for 25 minutes until hot. May take longer depending on oven.

The Turkey leftover recipe with olives is ready to serve !
turkey-pasta-toss

VIDEO:


LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE

LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE

Serves 6–8


INGREDIENTS

For the Filling

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth

  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half

  • 3–4 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried sage

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • Optional: ½ cup cooked mushrooms or corn

For the Crust


INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Filling

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened.

  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables; stir and cook 2 minutes to form a roux.

  5. Slowly whisk in the broth until smooth.

  6. Add milk/half-and-half and simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).

  7. Stir in turkey, peas, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.

  8. Let filling simmer 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool slightly.


2. Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Line a deep 9-inch pie dish with the bottom crust.

  3. Add the turkey filling, spreading evenly.

  4. Roll out the second crust and slice into strips (½–¾ inch wide).

  5. Lay half the strips across the top; weave the remaining strips at a 90° angle to form a lattice.

  6. Trim edges and crimp to seal.

  7. Brush lattice with egg wash.


3. Bake

  • Bake 35–45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

  • If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil for the last 15 minutes.

Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.


OPTIONAL UPGRADES

🌿 Herb Crust

Mix 1 tsp thyme or parsley into the dough.

🧀 Cheesy Twist

Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar or gruyere into the filling.

🍄 Mushroom & Wine Version

Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms + ¼ cup dry white wine to the filling.

OTHER RECIPES

Try this nice turkey leftover recipe....!!
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1 10 oz. pkg frozen English peas
  • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 dashes hot sauce
  • 1 (8 oz.) can crescent dinner rolls
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • radish slices (optional)
  • fresh parsley (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS

Combine first 10 ingredients; mix well. Spoon into a 12x8x2 -inch baking dish.

Separate crescent dough into 2 rectangles; press perforations to seal. Cut into 4 long strips and 4 short strips. 

 Arrange strips in a lattice design across the top of your casserole. 

 Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. 

 Garnish with radish slices and fresh parsley sprigs, if desired. 

The turkey leftover recipe is ready...enjoy !
fruit-turkey-salad.

VIDEO:


FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD



FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD

🥗 Fruit & Turkey Salad

Ingredients

Base

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded (roasted or smoked)

  • 1 apple, diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended)

  • 1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)

  • ½ cup pineapple chunks or mandarin oranges (drained if canned)

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

  • ¼ cup celery, finely sliced

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds (toasted if possible)

Creamy Dressing

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)

  • 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • ½–1 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients
    Chop turkey, fruit, celery, and nuts into bite-size pieces.

  2. Make the Dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

  3. Combine
    In a large bowl, gently toss turkey, fruit, celery, cranberries, and nuts.

  4. Mix & Chill
    Add the dressing and toss lightly to coat.
    Chill 15–30 minutes for flavors to blend.


Serving Options

  • On a bed of lettuce or mixed greens

  • As a sandwich or wrap

  • Stuffed in pita pockets

  • As a croissant filling

  • On top of crackers


Add-In Ideas (Choose 1–3)

  • Sliced strawberries or blueberries

  • Avocado cubes (add before serving)

  • Poppy seeds

  • Chopped fresh herbs: parsley, basil, chives, or tarragon

  • A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese


Healthy Swap Tips

IngredientSwap
MayoGreek yogurt, avocado mayo
NutsPumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
TurkeyRotisserie chicken or tofu cubes
CranberriesPomegranate seeds or dried apricots


We make this salad for a refreshing lite lunch.
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated orange rind
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned lettuce leaves
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries halved
  • 1 small banana, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine turkey and celery; set aside. Combine yogurt and next 4 ingredients; pour over turkey mixture, and toss gently. Cover and chill.
Arrange orange sections on individual lettuce lined plates. Just before serving, add strawberries and banana to turkey mixture; toss gently and spoon onto plates. The Turkey leftover recipe is ready...nice !
herbed-turkey-tetrazzini.

VIDEO:


TEX-MEX TURKEY CHILI


TEX-MEX TURKEY CHILI

Tex-Mex Turkey Chili

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ – 2 lbs ground turkey (light or dark meat)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1–2 jalapeños, minced (optional, adjust for heat)

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 cup chicken broth (add more if you prefer thinner chili)

  • 1–2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (optional)

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)

Tex-Mex Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey
    Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Add ground turkey and cook until lightly browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Sauté the vegetables
    Add onion, bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

  3. Add spices
    Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and coriander. Let spices toast for 30–45 seconds.

  4. Add tomatoes, beans & broth
    Mix in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, corn, Worcestershire, and chicken broth. Stir well.

  5. Simmer
    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and flavorful. Add more broth if needed.

  6. Taste and adjust seasoning
    Add more salt, pepper, or heat as desired.


Serving Suggestions

Top with any combination of:

Serve with warm cornbread, tortillas, or rice.


Optional Flavor Enhancements



Ever think of making chili with that leftover turkey?? Try this turkey leftover recipe..a nice one !!

INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
* 1 Tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin seeds
* 1 tsp sugar
* 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 (10 oz) can tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
* 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans drained
* 2 cups shredded cooked turkey breast
* 3/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine onion, garlic, and oil in a 2 quart glass measure.

Cover and microwave at high 3 minutes or until onion is tender,stirring every minute.Add chili powder and next four ingredients; stirring well.Microwave, uncovered, at high 6 to 9 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring mixture every 3 minutes.Add remaining ingredients; stir well.
Microwave, uncovered, at high 6 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
The Turkey leftover recipe is ready to serve.. Enjoy it !
fruit-turkey-salad.

VIDEO:


TEX-MEX TURKEY CHILI LEFTOVER



TEX-MEX TURKEY CHILI LEFTOVER

This straightforward leftover turkey chili recipe is the ideal method to savor Thanksgiving turkey the following day! It can be slowly simmered in either a crockpot or an Instant Pot, and can be prepared shredded or chunky – it results in a thick, hearty chili that yields 8 servings and also freezes well!

Leftover Turkey Chili
I never allow guests to leave with leftover turkey. I aim to preserve as much as possible for this fantastic recipe. It is irrelevant whether the turkey is already sliced or still on the bone. The only crucial aspect is to remove as much of the skin as possible.
This recipe is not at all watery. It does not contain any broth, so the ingredients cook in the juices from diced tomatoes and salsa alone. It is pleasantly thick with plenty of texture, and as an added benefit, it will fill your home with a delightful aroma as it simmers slowly!
This recipe bears similarities to my spicy crockpot beef chili, with a few key distinctions. This version is not as spicy (though it could be made spicier by using a hot salsa), it incorporates corn, berbere spice instead of smoked paprika, and a touch of barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor.

The Simple Process
Initially, we will dice bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños, and shred or chop our roasted turkey into preferred chunk sizes.
Subsequently, we will sauté the peppers and onion in a large skillet with olive oil.
Next, we will add the chopped turkey and spices, stirring everything together thoroughly.
Finally, we will drain the beans and add them, along with corn, salsa, barbecue sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot with the vegetables and turkey. We will allow it to slow cook on HIGH for 4 hours before serving.

Ingredient Notes
diced tomatoes – Ensure that you do not use diced tomatoes with added flavorings such as basil, and avoid “petite” diced tomatoes. You should opt for large, chunky varieties.
black & kidney beans – I utilized black and kidney beans, but you can substitute with nearly any type of bean for this chili. Some excellent alternatives include black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, and lima beans.

This simple leftover turkey chili recipe is the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving turkey the next day! It can be slowly cooked in either a crockpot or an Instant Pot, and can be made shredded or chunky – it results in a thick, hearty chili that serves 8 and also freezes well!
Leftover Turkey Chili
I never let guests leave with leftover turkey. I strive to keep as much as possible for this wonderful recipe. It does not matter if the turkey is already sliced or still on the bone. The only important thing is to remove as much of the skin as possible.
This recipe is not watery at all. It does not include any broth, so the ingredients cook solely in the juices from diced tomatoes and salsa. It is pleasantly thick with ample texture, and as an added bonus, it will fill your home with a lovely aroma as it simmers slowly!
This recipe is similar to my spicy crockpot beef chili, with a few key differences. This version is not as spicy (although it could be made spicier by using a hot salsa), it includes corn, berbere spice instead of smoked paprika, and a hint of barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor.
The Simple Process
First, we will dice bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños, and shred or chop our roasted turkey into desired chunk sizes.
Next, we will sauté the peppers and onion in a large skillet with olive oil.
Then, we will add the chopped turkey and spices, mixing everything together thoroughly.
Finally, we will drain the beans and incorporate them, along with corn, salsa, barbecue sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot with the vegetables and turkey. We will allow it to slow cook on HIGH for 4 hours before serving.

Ingredient Notes
diced tomatoes – Make sure to avoid using diced tomatoes with added flavorings such as basil, and steer clear of “petite” diced tomatoes. You should choose large, chunky varieties.
black & kidney beans – I used black and kidney beans, but you can replace them with nearly any type of bean for this chili. Some excellent

How to Easily Slice a Jalapeño

To effortlessly remove the center and seeds from jalapeños, utilize an apple peeler! Begin by cutting off the stem, then employ the apple peeler to scoop around the edges, inside the pepper. This will allow you to easily extract the entire white center and shake out the seeds prior to slicing the pepper.

How to Prepare This Recipe – Step by Step
A collage of 4 numbered images demonstrating how to prepare leftover turkey chili.
1. Chop 3 bell peppers, 1 large onion, and 3 jalapeño peppers into small pieces.

2. Eliminate any skin and cut the roasted turkey into small, chunky portions. Aim for 2 heaping cups of chopped turkey. Alternatively, you may shred the turkey using 2 forks if you prefer a shredded turkey chili.

3. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large, 14-inch skillet. Sauté the peppers and onions, turning them frequently, until they are browned, which should take about 20 minutes.

4. Once the peppers and onions are lightly browned, incorporate the chopped turkey, 2½ tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of berbere spice, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper into the skillet. Stir everything well.

2 images depicting how to complete the turkey chili recipe.
5. Drain any liquid from canned corn and beans, as you do not want this added to the chili.

6. Combine 1 can (15.5 oz.) of kidney beans, 1 can (15.5 oz.) of black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz.) of diced tomatoes (with juice), 16 oz. of salsa, 1 can (15.5 oz.) of corn, and 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce into your crockpot (or Instant Pot) along with the turkey and cooked vegetables. Stir, cover with the lid, and slow cook on HIGH for 4 hours. If using an Instant Pot, simply select the slow cook setting. Once finished, remove the lid, stir, and serve.

Recipe Notes
If you lack sufficient leftover roasted turkey for the recipe, you can always incorporate some cooked ground turkey.
Increase the salt if you plan to freeze the dish, as salt diminishes in flavor over time. I typically add an additional half teaspoon of salt if I know I will be freezing it for later use.
To reheat if not frozen, microwave an 8-ounce serving for 2½ minutes.

To reheat from frozen, place an 8-ounce portion in the microwave for 3 minutes, then take it out and stir. Continue microwaving for an additional 3 minutes.

It is advisable not to freeze everything as a single large block of ice. If you do not plan to thaw the entire quantity at once, it becomes challenging to divide it into portions for future use. I utilize silicone "Souper Cubes" to freeze my chili into ideal 8-ounce servings.

Notes

In the event that you lack sufficient leftover roasted turkey to prepare the recipe, you may always incorporate some cooked ground turkey.

If you plan to freeze it, consider adding more salt. Salt tends to lose some of its flavor over time. I typically include an additional half teaspoon of salt if I anticipate freezing it for later use.

To reheat when not frozen, microwave an 8-ounce portion for 2½ minutes.

To reheat from frozen, microwave an 8-ounce portion for 3 minutes, remove and stir. Microwave for another 3 minutes.


TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (10 oz) can tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans drained
  • 2 cups shredded cooked turkey breast
  • 3/4 cup water
TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
First of all combine onion, garlic, and oil in a 2 quart glass measure.
And then cover and microwave at high 3 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring every minute.
Next is to add chili powder and next four ingredients; stirring well.
Microwave, uncovered, at high 6 to 9 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring mixture every 3 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients; stir well. Microwave, uncovered, at high 6 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Ready to serve for 6 cups ..enjoy the turkey leftover !



FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD-



FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD 

When it comes to organizing a holiday feast, our family often has larger appetites than our stomachs can accommodate. How about you? I am unsure how we manage this each year, but between my parents and myself, we prepare twice the amount of food that is necessary!

The advantage of over-preparing, of course, is that we enjoy several days of minimal cooking responsibilities due to the abundance of leftovers.

Here is a simple and quick method to utilize some of those turkey leftovers—a Turkey Waldorf Salad. This version includes apples and celery, similar to the traditional Waldorf, but substitutes toasted pecans for walnuts and dried sweetened cranberries in place of grapes.

The salad is assembled swiftly with a sweet and tangy honey mayo sour cream dressing.



TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated orange rind
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned lettuce leaves
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries halved
  • 1 small banana, sliced
TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS 

 Combine turkey and celery; set aside. Combine yogurt and next 4 ingredients; pour over turkey mixture, and toss gently. Cover and chill. Arrange orange sections on individual lettuce lined plates. Just before serving, add strawberries and banana to turkey mixture; toss gently and spoon onto plates. Cool. Enjoy the FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD-!!!

FRUIT & TURKEY SALAD VIDEO :



LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE



LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE 

TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
  • 1 10 oz. pkg frozen English peas
  • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 dashes hot sauce
  • 1 (8 oz.) can crescent dinner rolls
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • radish slices (optional)
  • fresh parsley (optional)
TURKEY LEFTOVER RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS: 

 Combine first 10 ingredients; mix well. Spoon into a 12x8x2 -inch baking dish. Separate crescent dough into 2 rectangles; press perforations to seal. Cut into 4 long strips and 4 short strips. Arrange strips in a lattice design across the top of your casserole. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Garnish with radish slices and fresh parsley sprigs, if desired. Cool. Enjoy the LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE recipes !!!

LATTICE-TOPPED TURKEY PIE VIDEO :;