Leftover Turkey Recipes for Easy Dinners

Storing leftover turkey tips and notes

To get the most out of your leftovers, here are some helpful tips on proper storage along with food safety guidance.

Portion Before Storing: Divide the turkey into smaller portions so it cools faster and is easier to use later. I typically portion 12-14 ounces per container. You can separate white meat and dark meat or make mixed portions depending on what you plan to cook.

Label and Date: Store leftovers in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, and label them with the date. Use a permanent marker or food-safe label so you always know what's fresh and what needs to be used first.

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked turkey in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Allow the turkey to cool before refrigerating, but don't let it sit out longer than the recommended time (see food safety note below).

Freezer Storage: Leftover turkey freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for 2 to 3 months for best quality. It stays safe longer, but quality declines after that window.

Food Safety: According to USDA guidelines, do not leave cooked food out for longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F. For more information on safe storage, handling, and reheating, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture and foodsafety.gov.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

With turkey, vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup has all the flavor of pot pie without the extra work. It's an easy dinner that comes together with pantry and fridge staples. Serve it with pie crust crackers to make it extra special.

Turkey Tetrazzini

This classic casserole combines spaghetti, tender turkey, mushrooms, peas, and cheese in a creamy sauce that bakes beautifully. It's a simple, affordable way to serve a filling pasta dinner that always hits the spot.

Turkey and Lentil Soup

This soup brings together turkey, lentils, and vegetables for a hearty bowl that's both satisfying and easy on the budget. It's simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a wholesome dinner without stretching your grocery bill.

Turkey and Rice Casserole

This dish brings together turkey, rice, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce that bakes into a comforting meal. It's an easy dinner option that relies on leftovers and pantry staples and delivers homemade flavor.

Turkey Noodle Soup

This soup is an easy, no-stress option for busy days. The combination of turkey, vegetables, and egg noodles creates a comforting bowl that feels homemade without taking much time to prepare.

Turkey Barley Soup

The combination of savory turkey, vegetables, and chewy barley gives this soup a wonderful mix of textures. It comes together with simple ingredients and makes a comforting, filling meal without much effort.

Turkey Rice Soup

This soup strikes a nice balance between light and filling, with tender turkey, vegetables, and rice simmered together in a flavorful broth. It's an easy choice for lunch or weeknights and a great way to make a wholesome meal with minimal effort.