Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe

These leftover turkey tacos are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a bit of spice from the seasonings and jalapeños. They're a great way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy a different twist on traditional flavors. Enjoy!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: leftover turkey, turkey tacos

Servings: -6 servings

Author: Elena Davis

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 tortilla 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 Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh tortillas and toppings. Even though it’s leftovers, using fresh components can significantly improve the overall taste and texture.
Reheat Carefully: When reheating the turkey filling, do it gently to prevent drying it out. Use the microwave on medium power or a stovetop skillet with a bit of moisture (broth or water).
Customize Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their tacos. This way, each person can tailor their taco to their liking.
Balance Flavors: Ensure a balance of flavors in your taco, including sweetness from cranberry sauce, creaminess from cheese and sour cream, and freshness from cilantro and lime.
Don’t Forget the Seasonings: Season the turkey filling generously with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to enhance flavor.
Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas just before serving. You can do this in a dry skillet or oven for a few seconds to make them pliable and enhance their flavor.
Moisten with Gravy: If you have leftover gravy, add a bit to the turkey filling for extra moisture and flavor.
Layer Ingredients: Layer the components strategically. Start with a small amount of cranberry sauce on the tortilla, followed by turkey, cheese, black beans, and fresh toppings. This helps prevent the tortilla from becoming too soggy.
Offer Variety: Consider offering various tortilla options, including soft and hard shells, so your guests can choose their preferences.

Nutrition