Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftovers
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe turn Thanksgiving turkey into a flavorful meal with seasoned turkey, fresh toppings, creamy cheese, and tart cranberry relish. The turkey is warmed with broth and lime, then cooked until the edges are lightly browned for a juicy filling with plenty of flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes, these tacos are a delicious way to use leftover turkey.
This recipe also works for leftover Roasted Whole Chicken.
Quick Look: Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free when served with corn tortillas
- Method: Stovetop
- Technique: Sauté the aromatics and spices, add the leftover turkey with broth and lime juice, cook until the turkey is warmed through, then uncover and cook until lightly browned before assembling the tacos.
- Flavor/Texture: Savory, smoky, juicy, lightly crisp, fresh, tangy
A New Way to Enjoy Thanksgiving Leftovers
These tacos make Thanksgiving leftovers feel completely different from the original meal. The turkey is warmed with spices, broth, and lime so it stays juicy and flavorful, then cooked until the edges are lightly browned.
I especially love adding cranberry relish to the tacos because its tart-sweet flavor is a perfect contrast to the savory turkey and creamy toppings.
Another leftover turkey recipe you will love is my Leftover Turkey Soup!
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This simple recipe delivers tasty tacos with little effort. It’s the perfect way to use those Thanksgiving dinner leftovers.
- Leftover Turkey: Use leftover Roasted Turkey, including a combination of white and dark meat.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps keep the turkey tender as it reheats.
- Chili Powder, Paprika, and Cumin: Season the turkey with savory flavor.
- Cranberry Relish: Adds a bright, tart-sweet contrast to the savory turkey.
- Tortillas and Toppings: Warm tortillas and toppings like cheese, lettuce or cabbage, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime finish the tacos.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Turkey: Use leftover white meat, dark meat, or a combination of both. You can also use leftovers from my Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin, Pot Roast, or Roasted Chicken.
- Toppings: Add Avocado Coleslaw, salsa, pickled onions, or sour cream in place of or alongside the listed toppings.
- Fruit Salsa: Make a fruit salsa with diced mango, pineapple, or apple for a sweet and refreshing topping. Try my Fresh Mango Salsa!
- Leftovers: Add leftover roasted vegetables or a small spoonful of leftover Turkey Gravy to the turkey filling for another way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.
How to Make Turkey Tacos
These leftover turkey tacos come together quickly by warming the turkey with spices, broth, and lime, then finishing it with browned edges and fresh toppings. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or cast iron skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix together.
- Add the seasonings to the onion and garlic and cook for another few minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the shredded turkey to the skillet and toss to coat it with the spice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice and cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes until the turkey absorbs juices.
- Remove the lid and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the turkey. Cook until turkey is browned and crispy, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Assemble tacos with fresh cranberry relish and more of your favorite toppings!
Turkey Tacos FAQs
Adding a small amount of broth and lime juice while reheating helps keep the turkey moist. Covering the pan while the turkey warms also helps retain moisture, then uncover the pan at the end so the excess liquid cooks off and the turkey develops lightly browned edges.
Yes! Both white and dark turkey meat work well. A combination of the two gives the taco filling a good balance of lean and richer meat.
Store the cooked turkey filling separately from the tortillas and fresh toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the turkey gently on the stovetop, then assemble fresh tacos just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving leftover turkey tacos with plenty of toppings for a combination of savory, tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors. If you’re craving a Mexican-inspired side, try my Sweet Cornbread and Mexican Fruit Salad. However, I love serving these the day after Thanksgiving with other leftovers such as Candied Sweet Potatoes, Twice Baked Potatoes, and Fresh Green Bean Casserole (No Soup).
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Use a combination of white and dark turkey meat if you have both available for a more flavorful filling.
- Add the broth before the turkey dries out so the leftover meat stays moist while it reheats.
- Keep the pan covered while the turkey warms to help retain moisture.
- Uncover the pan at the end so excess liquid evaporates and the turkey develops lightly browned edges.
More Recipes to Make With Leftovers
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Turkey Filling:
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 small lime
For Assembling Tacos:
- 8 small taco-sized tortillas, either corn tortillas or flour tortillas, with options of hard taco shells or soft taco shells
- 1 cup leftover fresh cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite
- Sliced lettuce or cabbage
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crumbled Cotija cheese
- Sliced jalapeños, optional, for heat
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, optional, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Possibilities for toppings are endless so customize with your favorite taco toppings.
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or cast iron skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Mix the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add them to the onion and garlic and cook for another few minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the shredded turkey to the skillet and toss to coat it with the spice mixture. Add the chicken broth and lime juice and cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes until the turkey absorbs juices.
- Remove the lid and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the turkey. Cook until turkey is browned and crispy, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until they are warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the warm tortillas on a clean surface.Spread a spoonful of cranberry relish on each tortilla. Add a generous portion of the turkey filling on top of the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the turkey.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top each taco with sliced lettuce or cabbage, chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and jalapeño slices if you like a bit of heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve leftover turkey tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. You can also offer sour cream or Greek yogurt as optional toppings for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Use a combination of white and dark turkey meat if you have both available for a more flavorful filling.
- Add the broth before the turkey dries out so the leftover meat stays moist while it reheats.
- Keep the pan covered while the turkey warms to help retain moisture.
- Uncover the pan at the end so excess liquid evaporates and the turkey develops lightly browned edges.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It is the perfect idea for leftover turkey, which is a little different than the norm. You’ll love this!