When Thanksgiving dinner is over, it is common to have plenty of food left. Fortunately, there are plenty of turkey leftover recipes that you can whip up in no time.
Are you tired of eating the same thing for several days in a row, or do you hate wasting food that took time and money to prepare? The key is to store everything properly so you can create different dishes.
That is why we put together this quick guide to storing turkey safely. We also included six Latin-inspired options your family will enjoy as if they were freshly made.
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How to Store Turkey Leftovers Safely
First, place the turkey in the refrigerator in a clean container. If you store it improperly, its flavor will change quickly, and worse, it could make your family sick.
To stay safe, it is worth following the advice of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States. Its recommendations help prevent foodborne illness.
In this section, we explain exactly when to refrigerate the meat, how long it lasts, and the trick to reheating it.
What to Do With Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers
When Thanksgiving dinner is over, it is common to have plenty of food left. Fortunately, there are plenty of turkey leftover recipes that you can whip up in no time.
Are you tired of eating the same thing for several days in a row, or do you hate wasting food that took time and money to prepare? The key is to store everything properly so you can create different dishes.
That is why we put together this quick guide to storing turkey safely. We also included six Latin-inspired options your family will enjoy as if they were freshly made.
How to Store Turkey Leftovers Safely
First, place the turkey in the refrigerator in a clean container. If you store it improperly, its flavor will change quickly, and worse, it could make your family sick.
To stay safe, it is worth following the advice of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States. Its recommendations help prevent foodborne illness.
In this section, we explain exactly when to refrigerate the meat, how long it lasts, and the trick to reheating it.
Refrigerate the Turkey Within 2 Hours
According to the FSIS, any cooked dish must be refrigerated no later than two hours after preparation. Of course, this rule applies to turkey as well.
While everyone chats after dinner, do not leave the turkey on the table. As soon as everyone finishes eating, remove the meat from the bones and transfer it to airtight containers.
In its leftovers guide, the USDA agency also recommends dividing the food into several containers so it cools faster and bacteria are less likely to grow.
How Long Do Turkey Leftovers Last in the Refrigerator and Freezer?
Once stored, turkey does not last forever. Knowing how long it keeps will help you plan your turkey leftover recipes without taking unnecessary risks in the kitchen:
- In the refrigerator: 3 to 4 days.
- In the freezer: 3 to 4 months.
- After thawing: up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Thaw using cold water, a microwave, or the refrigerator.
How to Reheat Turkey Without Drying It Out
The secret to reheating turkey is making sure its center reaches 165°F, as the FSIS recommends. This helps ensure that it is safe to serve.
To keep it from drying out, add a splash of broth to the container and cover it tightly. The steam will help keep the turkey tender and juicy.
If you are using gravy or thick sauces, heat them on the stove until they reach a vigorous boil. The same applies when reheating leftover soup.
Turkey Leftover Recipes for the Day After Thanksgiving
After Thanksgiving, nobody wants to spend hours cooking. With that in mind, these ideas come together quickly using ingredients you probably already have at home.
They also have a Latin twist that gives the meat a different flavor. With these recipes, you can transform dinner leftovers into a fresh, varied menu.
Since the turkey is already cooked from the night before, you save a lot of work. All you have to do is reheat it, assemble the dishes, and sit down to enjoy them.
Turkey Tacos With Salsa Verde
This is one of the quickest turkey leftover recipes to make because all you need to do is shred the meat and sauté it with onion. For four people, you will need:
- Two cups of shredded turkey without the skin.
- Hot, lightly toasted corn tortillas.
- Your favorite brand of tomatillo salsa verde.
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped onion, and juicy limes for garnish.
Turkey Sandwich With Cranberry Sauce
Making a sandwich is a Thanksgiving tradition for the day after the holiday. The best part is the combination of the turkey’s savory flavor with the sweet-and-tart taste of cranberries.
Making it is as simple as toasting bread and spreading it with mayonnaise mixed with cranberry sauce. Then add the turkey pieces, crisp lettuce, and some stuffing.
It also makes a great lunch for work or school. Simply pack it in a tightly sealed container, and you have a meal ready to go.
Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas
Kids love this dish, and it is ready in no time. Simply place a good melting cheese on a flour tortilla, add the turkey, and fold it over.
Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown. Remove it from the pan and cut it into triangles for easier eating.
Serving it with guacamole and sour cream helps stretch the portion into a complete lunch. You will find more turkey leftover recipes on the Abasto website.
Hot Dishes to Make the Most of Turkey All Week
When November weather starts to get colder, these hearty dishes hit the spot. They are also a great way to use the bones and any leftover pieces of meat.
Another advantage is that these turkey leftover recipes make several servings. Store them in the refrigerator, and you will have meals ready for the next few days.
Turkey Vegetable Soup
Homemade broth is perfect for using the turkey carcass along with any small pieces of meat still attached to the bones. Simply bring it to a boil with the following ingredients:
- The cleaned turkey carcass with any remaining meat.
- Pieces of potato, carrot, celery, and squash.
- A whole onion, crushed garlic, and bay leaves.
- Limes, white rice, or tortillas for serving.
To start, simmer the carcass with the bay leaves, onion, and garlic for an hour. Carefully remove the bones, add the vegetables, and cook until they soften.
Latin-Style Turkey Rice
This recipe is prepared just like classic Hispanic chicken and rice. Simply replace the chicken with leftover turkey and use the broth you made earlier.
Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a pot with oil. Add the rice, broth, and a splash of tomato sauce, then cover and cook.
Shortly before the liquid is absorbed, add the turkey and some peas. This gives the meat plenty of flavor without letting it dry out in the pot.
Turkey Pot Pie With Mashed Potatoes
This is a fantastic option because it lets you use up both leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. It is also a homemade version of the American shepherd’s pie.
To make it, mix the turkey pieces with sautéed vegetables and a little gravy in an oven-safe dish. Spread a generous layer of leftover mashed potatoes on top.
Then bake until the surface is golden brown and the edges begin to bubble. Remember that the internal temperature must reach 165°F for the dish to be ready.
Mistakes That Ruin Turkey Leftovers
If your leftovers have not turned out well in the past, it is worth reviewing your storage methods. Most problems involve leaving food out of the refrigerator for too long or using the wrong type of container.
Fortunately, correcting these mistakes requires only a few small adjustments. With these habits, your turkey leftover recipes will taste delicious and remain safe to eat.
Leaving the Turkey on the Table All Afternoon
During long conversations after dinner, it is easy to forget about the food. The problem is that bacteria multiply quickly when turkey stays out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
To avoid forgetting, ask someone to put everything away as soon as everyone finishes eating. This is the best way to make sure the turkey gets refrigerated on time.
If it has been left out longer than that, it is best to throw it away. No cooking trick can save meat that has already spoiled.
Reheating the Same Portion Multiple Times
Another mistake is reheating the entire container every time someone wants another serving. Repeated reheating causes the meat to lose moisture and become tough.
Instead, take only the portion you plan to eat out of the refrigerator. The rest should stay cold to maintain its texture.
Small portions heat up in minutes and more evenly. This helps the center reach the correct temperature without drying out the edges of the turkey.
Make the Most of Every Bite of Your Thanksgiving Dinner
In short, organizing your leftovers in containers properly helps your feast stretch into a whole week of delicious meals. You also save money and time while reducing food waste.
Try the tacos or soup first, then save the rice and casserole for the following days. Each option gives the leftovers a different and exciting flavor.
At Abasto, you will find more practical tips and everyday Latin-inspired dishes. Visit the website for more Thanksgiving turkey leftover recipes.