After your Thanksgiving feast, save the turkey carcass and leftover meat to turn into a variety of satisfying meals. From nourishing broths to quick weeknight dinners, repurposing turkey stretches your holiday bounty into soups, salads, casseroles, and more to enjoy all winter long.
Instant Pot Turkey Stock
Making turkey stock in an Instant Pot is one of the best ways to make the most of a carcass. Combine bones, vegetable scraps, aromatics, and water, then pressure-cook for a concentrated, flavorful broth. Strain and refrigerate or freeze jars of stock to use as a base for soups, stews, gravies, and risottos throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Stock
Curried Leftover Turkey Salad
If you enjoy creamy chicken salad, try a curried turkey version made with diced leftover turkey, a touch of yogurt or mayo, curry powder, chopped celery, grapes or apples, and toasted nuts for texture. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, on greens, or with crackers for a quick, flavorful lunch that stretches holiday meat into several meals.
Get the Recipe: Curried Leftover Turkey Salad
Turkey Orzo Soup
Turkey orzo soup is a fast, comforting option that highlights leftover meat and homemade stock. Simmer chopped turkey with vegetables and herbs, add orzo so it cooks through in the broth, and finish with a squeeze of lemon or a handful of fresh parsley for brightness. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an excellent way to turn leftovers into a hearty, warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Orzo Soup
Turkey and Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Adapt a classic chicken noodle casserole by swapping in shredded turkey for chicken. Combine cooked noodles, steamed broccoli, diced turkey, a creamy sauce made with turkey stock or condensed soup, and top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly and golden for a family-friendly dish that reheats beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup
This turkey tortilla soup is a flavorful, naturally gluten-free option that combines shredded turkey with tomatoes, beans or corn, chiles or spices, and a good turkey stock base. Top with crisp toasted tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and lime for contrast—stir some strips in and sprinkle some on top for the best crunch and texture.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup
Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Turkey pot pie is a classic comfort dish that’s ideal for colder days. Mix diced turkey with mixed vegetables and a creamy sauce made from turkey stock and a roux or cream, then top with store-bought puff pastry for a buttery, flaky finish. Bake until the crust is puffed and golden for an indulgent, homey meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
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