Turkey Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Thanksgiving Leftovers

Print Recipe 🖨 Save Recipe PDF 📄

When Thanksgiving is over, you’re left wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey. Instead of the usual turkey sandwiches, why not try something a little more exciting? Turkey Tacos are a fantastic way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new and delicious meal. These tacos are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these tasty tacos and enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a whole new way.

Recipe: Turkey Tacos

Yield: 8 tacos
Serving Size: 1 taco

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup turkey or chicken broth
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the Turkey: Add the shredded turkey to the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey with the spices.
Moisten the Mixture: Pour in the turkey or chicken broth and stir. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is heated through and the liquid has slightly reduced.
Warm the Tortillas: While the turkey mixture cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds on each side, or until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the turkey mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add salsa and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Nutritional Facts (per taco):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 12g

Note: Nutritional facts are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

A New Spin on Thanksgiving Leftovers

Turkey Tacos are a wonderful way to repurpose your leftover turkey without compromising on flavor. The addition of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the turkey a smoky, savory kick that pairs perfectly with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. The turkey remains tender and juicy thanks to the added broth, which not only reheats the turkey but also infuses it with additional flavor.

These tacos are highly customizable, too. Add black beans, corn, or avocado for extra texture and taste, or switch out the shredded cheese for crumbled queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican touch. You can also adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Perfect for a Quick Meal

One of the best things about these Turkey Tacos is how quickly they come together. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option when you’re short on time but still want to serve something hearty and homemade. Plus, they’re fun to assemble, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

The Ultimate Leftover Solution

Next time you’re staring at that pile of leftover turkey, don’t settle for the same old reheated dishes. Give these Turkey Tacos a try, and bring a little fiesta to your table. Not only will you breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers, but you’ll also have a meal that’s sure to become a new post-holiday fav