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Leftover Turkey Recipes — Weeknight Dinner Zero Groceries - Simple Ways to Use What You Have

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Leftover turkey (shredded or diced; light or dark meat)
  • Onion and garlic (fresh, frozen, or dried)
  • Vegetables: carrots, celery, bell pepper, peas, corn, spinach, kale, broccoli, mushrooms (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Carbs: rice, pasta, tortillas, bread, potatoes, couscous, quinoa, ramen
  • Canned goods: beans (black, pinto, cannellini, chickpeas), tomatoes (diced, crushed, or sauce), coconut milk, broth or bouillon
  • Cheese and dairy: cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, shredded cheese, milk, butter
  • Sauces and condiments: soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, mustard, mayo, pesto, barbecue sauce, curry paste or powder
  • Herbs and spices: Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic/onion powder, red pepper flakes
  • Oils: olive oil, vegetable oil, sesame oil
  • Eggs (optional but handy)
  • Lemons or limes (or bottled juice), vinegar (any kind)

Method
 

  1. Turkey Fried Rice Warm 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and any firm veg (carrot, bell pepper). Sauté 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, softer veg (peas, corn), and 2 cups cold cooked rice. Stir well and let it sit to crisp a bit.
  3. Push rice aside, scramble 2 eggs in the pan (optional). Fold in 2 cups turkey.
  4. Season with 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of pepper or red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust.
  5. Tip: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens flavors fast.
  6. One-Pot Creamy Turkey Pasta In a pot, sauté onion and mushrooms in butter or oil until soft.
  7. Add 8 ounces short pasta, 3 cups broth or water with bouillon, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring now and then.
  8. When pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, stir in 1–2 cups turkey and 2–4 ounces cream cheese or a splash of milk. Add spinach if you have it.
  9. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Top with shredded cheese if you like.
  10. Shortcut: No cream cheese? Use a spoonful of sour cream or a knob of butter.
  11. Turkey Taco Skillet Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion and bell pepper until soft.
  12. Stir in 1 can black or pinto beans (drained), 1 cup corn, 1–2 cups turkey, and 1 cup salsa or canned tomatoes.
  13. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
  14. Serve over rice, spoon onto tortillas, or top with crushed chips. Finish with shredded cheese, yogurt/sour cream, and hot sauce.
  15. Make it a bake: Transfer to a dish, sprinkle cheese, and broil until bubbly.
  16. Cozy Turkey Soup Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in a pot with oil or butter until fragrant.
  17. Add garlic, 6 cups broth or water with bouillon, and any potatoes or pasta.
  18. Simmer until tender, then add turkey and greens. Season with thyme, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon.
  19. Optional swirl: Stir in a little cream or coconut milk for richness.
  20. Pro move: Toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering if you have one.
  21. Sheet-Pan Turkey Melt Toast slices of bread on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  22. Mix chopped turkey with a little mayo or yogurt, mustard, diced pickles or onions, and a dash of hot sauce.
  23. Spread onto toast, top with cheese, and bake until melted and golden.
  24. Add sliced tomato or spinach if you’ve got them. Serve with pickles or a quick salad.
  25. Hack: No bread? Use tortillas and make quesadillas on the stovetop.