Too Good To Go Blog

7 Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes That Go Beyond Sandwiches

Leftover Turkey Gets a Glow-Up With These 7 Easy Dishes

Leftover turkey doesn’t have to mean dry sandwiches or reheated regret. If you celebrate the holidays with turkey on your table, these easy, creative recipes give your holiday leftovers a fresh twist, and they might even rival the main event. With a little planning, leftovers become less about obligation and more about opportunity.

Each year, Americans waste approximately 312 million pounds of food on Thanksgiving Day alone. It's often not because the food isn't good, but because we don't always have a plan for how to use it. Getting creative with leftovers is one of the simplest ways to cut down on waste and save money, especially when you're cooking for a crowd.

This guide not only provides practical recipes but also shows how small changes, like freezing portions or transforming meals, can make a big difference. Too Good To Go is one way to build on that momentum.

What Can I Make With Leftover Turkey That Isn’t Just Another Sandwich?

You’ve made a delicious turkey. Now comes the fun part. These seven leftover turkey recipes are designed to work with what’s already in your fridge. Think cooked rice, roasted vegetables, herbs, or that half can of beans you never know what to do with. They’re flexible, satisfying, and easy to batch for busy days ahead.

Beyond sandwiches, leftover turkey can take on new life in soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and even curries. It’s versatile enough to become anything from a comforting dinner to a quick weekday lunch. The key is to treat it as a starting point, not an afterthought. That shift in mindset opens the door to dozens of possibilities.

Using up leftovers is more than a cooking choice; it’s a climate one. Reducing food waste helps lower methane emissions from landfills and minimizes the resources needed to grow, ship, and store more food. By getting more from what you already have, you’re helping the planet, too.

1. Turkey Fried Rice

Crispy, savory, and satisfying, turkey fried rice is the perfect fusion of comfort and convenience. It’s a quick one-pan wonder that gives day-old rice and leftover turkey new life. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, this is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again, even when you don’t have leftovers.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 1½ cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
• 1 cup leftover turkey, diced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Push ingredients to the side and scramble the eggs in the cleared space until just cooked through.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss in the rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Add the turkey, peas, and carrots, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine evenly.
7. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

2. Creamy Turkey and Vegetable Soup

This cozy soup is like a warm blanket in a bowl. Creamy, herb-scented, and loaded with vegetables, it transforms leftover turkey into something truly comforting. Whether you’re winding down after a holiday or just need something soothing, this soup delivers.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 1½ cups leftover turkey, shredded or diced
• 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
• ½ cup half-and-half or whole milk
• ½ cup cooked rice or small pasta
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually pour in the broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the turkey and rice or pasta, cooking for 10 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in the half-and-half. Heat through without boiling.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

3. Classic Turkey Pot Pie

Golden crust, creamy filling, and tender chunks of turkey. This pot pie is peak comfort food. It’s rich and hearty, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters. A great way to use up holiday sides, it’s also perfect for freezing and reheating later.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

• 3 cups leftover turkey, cubed
• 1 package puff pastry or pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a paste.
4. Slowly whisk in broth and cream, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Add turkey, vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
6. Roll out puff pastry or pie crust to fit over your skillet with a 1-inch overhang.
7. Place pastry over the filling, tucking edges down inside the skillet. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
8. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

4. Aromatic Turkey Curry

Need a reset after days of traditional holiday food? This curry brings bold, bright flavor to your leftovers. Spiced with warm aromatics and creamy coconut milk, it’s a feel-good dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The leftovers, if you have any, taste even better the next day.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

• 3 cups leftover turkey, cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cups butternut squash or sweet potato, cubed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in curry powder, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, toasting the spices for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add butternut squash or sweet potato. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in the turkey and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Season with salt to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.

5. Turkey Ramen Bowl

This ramen bowl is a flavorful, soul-warming answer to cold weather and tired leftovers. A flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and tender slices of turkey come together in one slurpable, satisfying meal. Top it how you like and make it your own.

Ingredients: (Serves 1)

• ½ cup leftover turkey, sliced thin
• 1 pack ramen noodles (save seasoning packets for later!)
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• ¾ tablespoons white miso paste
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• ¾ teaspoons fish sauce
• ¾ teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• ½ clove garlic, minced
• 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
• ½ cup bok choy or spinach
• ¼ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 green onion, sliced
• ¾ teaspoons sesame oil
• Optional toppings: nori sheets, sesame seeds, chili oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
2. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Whisk in miso paste until dissolved.
3. Add soy sauce and fish sauce, adjusting to taste.
4. Add mushrooms and bok choy, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
5. In a separate pot, cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Divide noodles among four bowls. Ladle hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
7. Top each bowl with sliced turkey, soft-boiled egg halves, and green onions.
8. Add optional toppings like nori, sesame seeds, or chili oil.
9. Serve immediately while hot.

6. Creamy Turkey Pasta

This pasta comes together in one pan with savory mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of Parmesan. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like something you’d order at your favorite trattoria—only it’s made from what’s already in your fridge.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

• 3 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in cream and broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add turkey and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and turkey is heated through.
7. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

7. Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Layered with melty cheese, hearty beans, and bold spices, this casserole brings serious flavor. It’s easy to make, easy to freeze, and easy to love. Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying solo with plenty of leftovers.

Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)

• 4 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 12 corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
• 2 cans (10 oz each) red or green enchilada sauce
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add turkey, black beans, green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Layer with ⅓ of the tortilla strips, ⅓ of the turkey mixture, ⅓ of remaining sauce, and ⅓ of the cheese.
6. Repeat layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
10. Top with sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado as desired.

How Long Is Leftover Turkey Good For?

• In the fridge: 3 to 4 days
• In the freezer: 2 to 3 months (stored airtight)

Reheat safely: Warm to 165°F using the stove or oven. Always reheat only what you plan to eat.

Many people toss leftovers simply because they’re unsure how long they’ll last. Understanding food safety timelines helps keep good food from going to waste. If you’re not ready to eat your leftovers right away, freezing them is a smart move.

Can I Freeze Leftover Turkey?

Yes. Slice or shred it first. Store in labeled, airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze in portions to make future meals easier.

Pro tip: Freeze turkey along with sauce or broth to preserve moisture.

The freezer is your best friend when it comes to extending the life of leftovers. Label and date everything so you know what you’ve got. Even small amounts of meat can become the base of a great meal when you’re in a pinch.

How to Reduce Food Waste After the Holidays

Too much food after a big celebration is common, but it doesn’t have to go to waste. Here are a few ways to make the most of what’s left:

• Plan ahead: When cooking, think about how leftovers will be used. Roast a bit extra if you want to batch meals.
• Use the Too Good To Go app (https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us): Find Surprise Bags near you filled with unsold food that still tastes great.
• Compost scraps: Vegetable peels, turkey bones, and herb stems can go straight to the compost.
• Reimagine sides: Turn mashed potatoes into patties, cranberry sauce into a breakfast spread, or stuffing into a savory waffle.

Embracing leftovers is an act of care: toward your time, your wallet, and your environment. Whether you're feeding your family or just yourself, finding a second life for surplus food helps break the cycle of waste. When you shop mindfully and cook with intention, you build habits that carry well beyond the holiday table.

Too Good To Go makes it easier to take those habits one step further. The app connects people with local stores, cafes, and restaurants that have surplus food at the end of the day. With Surprise Bags, you rescue good food at a great price and keep it from going to waste. It’s a simple way to make a real impact every day.

FAQs About Using Leftover Turkey This Holiday Season

What are some creative leftover turkey recipes for kids? Try turkey ramen, turkey enchilada casserole, or pot pie. They're easy to portion and customize with favorite ingredients.

Can I use leftover turkey in a pasta dish? Yes. Creamy turkey pasta, mac and cheese with turkey, or even a turkey lasagna are all great options.

What’s the best way to keep leftover turkey moist when reheating? Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water. Cover the dish to trap moisture and keep it from drying out.

Is it safe to reheat turkey more than once? Yes, but only reheat what you need each time. Always bring it to 165°F to ensure safety.

Can I use the turkey carcass to make stock? Absolutely. Simmer with water, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and herbs for a hearty, homemade broth.

Where can I find more ways to reduce food waste? Download the Too Good To Go app. You’ll find affordable Surprise Bags near you and help keep good food out of landfills.