22 Leftover Turkey Recipes That Aren’t Soup or Sandwiches

Leftovers usually buy you a couple days off from cooking, but eating the same Thanksgiving plate on repeat gets old fast. Turkey loses its charm pretty quickly when it’s just reheated and piled next to the usual sides. It’s a lot more fun when you can turn it into something that doesn’t look or taste like the holiday all over again and these recipes do just that.

Turkey Stew

This stew puts leftover turkey to work in a hearty way that feels fresh after a heavy holiday. The turkey mixes with potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery and onions in a broth that cooks down into a rich, steady base. Garlic and herbs round everything out, and the tomato paste and balsamic deepen the flavor without making the dish heavy. It reheats well and makes an easy next-day dinner that goes far beyond another plate of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet keeps things simple with turkey, sweet potatoes, peppers, onions, greens and black beans all cooking together. It comes together fast and brings a mix of textures that makes it feel like a real dinner instead of leftover duty. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup stays easy and fast. It’s a great way to use up turkey without repeating holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Salsa Verde Turkey Enchiladas

These enchiladas turn shredded turkey into a creamy filling that rolls neatly and bakes with salsa verde for a bright, savory dinner. The sauce keeps everything moist, and the tortillas hold their shape well after cooking. It’s quick to assemble and brings a totally different flavor from Thanksgiving. This is a strong choice when you want a meal that feels fully new.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde Turkey Enchiladas

Turkey Gumbo

This gumbo builds layers of flavor with turkey, sausage, shrimp and a slow-cooked base that thickens as it simmers. The broth gets deeper as it cooks, turning the turkey into something rich and comforting. It’s a great option when you want a next-day meal that feels special but still practical. Leftovers of this one taste even better the following day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gumbo

Buffalo Turkey Pizza

This pizza throws turkey into a spicy Buffalo sauce and spreads it over a crisp crust with cheese for a dinner that’s fast and fun. The heat from the sauce cuts through the richness of holiday leftovers and brings a totally different vibe. It’s easy to prep and bake, which makes it a simple weeknight option. This one works well when you want something bold without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Pizza

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

These egg rolls wrap turkey and leftover sides into crisp, golden rolls that cook quickly in the air fryer. They’re easy to assemble and use up a good amount of leftovers in one go. The bite-size format makes them great for snacking or lunch the next day. They hold up well and stay crisp without deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thanksgiving Egg Rolls

Turkey Pot Pie

This pot pie folds turkey and vegetables into a creamy sauce under a crisp topping for a complete meal. It’s easy to assemble with leftover ingredients and bakes into a comforting, hearty dinner. The mixture thickens nicely in the oven and creates a satisfying balance of crunchy and creamy. It’s a classic way to refresh leftover turkey without repeating the same plate.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey Noodle Casserole

This casserole mixes turkey with noodles and vegetables in a thick, homemade sauce that bakes into a cozy dinner. It comes together with basic ingredients and cooks into a dish that slices neatly and reheats smoothly. The noodles absorb the sauce well, making it rich without being heavy. It’s a dependable choice for busy nights right after the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Noodle Casserole

Turkey Casserole

This casserole layers turkey with vegetables, broth, and a creamy sauce that cooks into a solid one-dish meal. It’s practical when you’re staring at a refrigerator full of leftovers and want something new. The ingredients come together quickly and bake into an easy weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to use several leftover components at once.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

These stuffing balls pack turkey, stuffing, and cranberries into easy portions that bake into crisp edges and soft centers. They’re simple to assemble and great for lunches or snacks. The mix holds together well and gives you a fun change of pace from a reheated holiday plate. They also freeze well if you want to stretch leftovers longer.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

Turkey Salad

This salad uses shredded turkey with celery, pecans, and onions in a lemon-dill mayo dressing that feels fresh after days of heavier food. It’s simple to stir together and works well in lettuce cups or wraps. The mix holds up in the fridge, making it useful for quick lunches. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend leftover turkey into something lighter.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Salad

Turkey Enchiladas

These enchiladas fill tortillas with turkey and cheese, then bake them in a lightly spiced sauce that brings everything together. They take only a few minutes to assemble and bake into a dinner that feels upgraded. The sauce keeps the turkey moist and brings something different to the table after days of holiday food. They reheat well, too.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Enchiladas

Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala

This tikka masala brings leftover turkey into a creamy tomato-based sauce with warm spices that balance nicely without being too strong. It’s easy to simmer and makes a great match for rice or naan. The sauce thickens as it cooks and turns the turkey into a flavorful main dish. This is a strong choice when you want a completely different flavor from Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala

Turkey Roll-Ups

These roll-ups spread a cranberry cream cheese mixture over tortillas and wrap turkey and vegetables for a quick lunch or appetizer. They slice neatly and hold their shape well, which makes them great for meal prep. The mix of textures keeps them interesting and easy to pack. They’re perfect when you want something cold and ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll-Ups

Turkey Nachos

These nachos top chips with turkey, cheese, beans and vegetables for a fast meal that takes almost no prep. They go under the broiler just long enough to melt everything into a crisp, hearty dish. It’s a fun change from traditional leftover meals and perfect for casual eating the day after the holiday. You can top them with whatever you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Nachos

Turkey Stroganoff

This stroganoff cooks turkey with mushrooms, broth and a creamy sauce that coats the noodles well. It comes together quickly and brings a hearty, familiar flavor without leaning on Thanksgiving spices. The sauce thickens as it simmers and turns the turkey into a rich meal. It’s a dependable dinner when you want comfort without starting from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

This chili uses turkey with beans, tomatoes and spices that simmer in the slow cooker until everything melds together. It’s great for days when you want a hands-off meal that still feels satisfying. The turkey holds up well in the broth and absorbs the seasoning as it cooks. Leftovers of this chili save well for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Chili

Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole

This casserole mixes turkey with pasta in a creamy sauce and bakes it with a crisp topping that browns in the oven. It uses multiple leftover components in one dish and turns them into a complete meal. The sauce thickens during baking and coats the pasta smoothly. It’s a strong pick for feeding a group without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole

Turkey Fried Rice

This fried rice uses turkey with rice, vegetables and seasonings cooked in the skillet for a quick dinner. Everything cooks fast and brings a savory, balanced flavor that feels nothing like holiday leftovers. It’s an easy recipe to adjust based on what’s in your fridge. The turkey heats evenly and stays tender.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Thanksgiving Leftovers Risotto

This risotto stirs turkey into a creamy pot of rice that absorbs broth and seasonings as it cooks. It’s a great way to stretch leftovers into a meal that feels fresh and complete. The rice becomes tender and glossy as you add broth, giving the turkey a new texture and flavor. It’s a cozy choice for evenings after the holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftovers Risotto

Turkey Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole mixes turkey with mashed potatoes, cheese and bacon for a hearty baked dish that feeds a group. It’s easy to assemble and turns leftovers into something rich and filling. The topping browns in the oven for a crisp finish. It reheats well and works for lunches through the week.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Leftover Turkey Nachos

These nachos layer turkey, cheese, beans and vegetables over chips for a fast meal that takes only minutes. They crisp under the broiler and bring a fun way to use up leftovers without extra work. The turkey warms through quickly and works well with the toppings. They’re perfect for casual eating after a busy holiday.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Nachos