15 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

I get a little OCD about making sure I take full advantage of leftovers, and Thanksgiving is the Olympics of repurposing. After a few turkey sandwiches, you want to move on and turn that leftover meat into meals the family will actually be excited to eat later in the week.

Below are many recipe ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers — and remember, anywhere you can use leftover shredded chicken, turkey works great too.

What Is the Best Way to Store Cooked Turkey?

When possible, slice the meat off the bones and save the bones, skin and scraps to make turkey stock. Removing the meat from the carcass lets you pack leftovers more compactly and minimizes air in the container, which helps them last longer. You can also freeze leftover turkey—whole, sliced, or cubed.

Any uneaten cooked turkey should be sealed and refrigerated within two hours of serving. If the turkey sat out much longer, its shelf life will be reduced.

How Long Can Leftover Cooked Turkey Stay in the Fridge?

If handled and refrigerated promptly, leftover turkey will keep for up to four days, sometimes five if chilled quickly. After that it’s safer to discard it. If you plan to freeze turkey, do so within a day of cooking for the best texture and flavor, though freezing within three days is still acceptable. Be sure to use a well-sealed container to prevent drying out.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Turkey?

The main risk when reheating turkey is drying it out. A gentle oven method works well: place turkey in a baking pan, add a little chicken or turkey broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Drain any remaining liquid before serving.

You can also use the microwave: place turkey in a microwave-safe container, add a bit of broth, and cover with a damp paper towel. Use a rotating tray if available to ensure even heating. If your container is too large for the microwave, use the oven instead.

15 Recipes Using Leftover Turkey

Many of the following recipes normally use chicken, but they work beautifully with leftover turkey. Each entry highlights what makes the dish a good fit for leftover meat.

Turkey Stock

Use the carcass, bones, and scraps to make a rich stock that freezes well and becomes the base for soups, stews, and sauces.

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Turkey Posole Soup

Shredded leftover turkey becomes the star of a warm, comforting posole, filled with hominy, chiles, and bright garnishes.

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Turkey Picadillo

A flavorful Latin-inspired picadillo using chopped leftover turkey instead of raw ground meat—skip the browning step and let the turkey absorb the sauce.

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Leftover Turkey Soup

A cozy, hearty soup with vegetables and tender turkey pieces—ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for using up leftovers.

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Mexican Turkey Tortilla Soup

Usually made with chicken, this spiced soup is fantastic with turkey. Top with avocado, tortilla crisps, and lime for a lively meal.

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Spicy Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

Replace chicken with shredded turkey in these cheesy enchiladas for a satisfying, slightly spicy weeknight dinner.

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Turkey Chili

A thick, vegetable-packed chili that works great with chopped leftover turkey or a mix of turkey and sausage for extra flavor.

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Turkey Marsala Pasta

Add mushrooms and leftover turkey to a Marsala cream sauce and toss with pasta for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner.

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Slow Cooker Red Lentil, Fennel, and Turkey Soup

A thick, spiced lentil soup that welcomes shredded turkey added toward the end of cooking so it soaks up the flavors.

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Turkey Tomato Soup

A fragrant tomato soup brightened with pantry spices and enriched with shredded turkey for a quick, comforting meal.

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Turkey Pot Pie

Bright vegetables and chunks of leftover turkey in a creamy filling under a flaky crust — simple, comforting, and perfect for leftovers.

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Turkey Tetrazzini

Leftover turkey with mushrooms, cream sauce, and sherry, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a cozy casserole that feels special.

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Leftover Turkey Split Pea Soup

A comforting, hearty split pea soup that pairs split peas with a simple turkey stock and shredded turkey for maximum flavor.

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Turkey Reuben Sandwiches

Elevate leftover turkey into a tangy Reuben with sauerkraut, melted cheese, and a creamy dressing on toasted rye.

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Leftover Turkey Hash

A crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside hash that turns Thanksgiving leftovers into one of the best post-holiday breakfasts.

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