Leftover turkey tacos are a fast way to use Thanksgiving meat without making another casserole. Start with leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or thawed safely from the freezer. How long leftovers last and how to store Thanksgiving leftovers cover that window. Heat leftover turkey to 165°F in the finished dish, following USDA leftover reheating guidance. This is a distinct recipe from what to do with leftover turkey and from leftover turkey quesadillas.
Warm the turkey, then build the tacos
Chop or shred about a pound of leftover turkey, enough for eight small tacos or four larger ones. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the turkey, a pinch of chili powder, cumin, and salt, and a splash of broth or water so the meat does not dry out. Stir until the turkey is steaming and a thermometer in a thick piece reads 165°F. If you are also using leftover gravy, you can loosen a few spoonfuls in the pan, but leftover gravy should have been brought to a rolling boil if you reheat a larger amount on its own; see how to reheat leftover gravy.
Tortillas and toppings
Warm corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven so they are pliable. Set out simple toppings: shredded cabbage or lettuce, salsa, lime, cilantro, sliced onion, and maybe a spoon of leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast, as in what to do with leftover cranberry sauce. Fill the tortillas just before you eat so they do not turn soggy.
Make it a leftover night, not a second Thanksgiving plate
Tacos work well the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, when you want something lighter than a reheated plate. If you have extra leftover turkey, freeze it instead of making a huge skillet of meat you will not finish; see freezer storage times. Refrigerate any leftover filled tacos within 2 hours, though they are best eaten fresh. For more leftover ideas, use the Thanksgiving leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips Slicing Knife — A sharp slicing knife makes leftover turkey easy to chop or shred.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Check that the turkey in the skillet reaches 165°F.
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A mixing bowl is handy for tossing toppings or a quick slaw.
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A platter keeps assembled tacos organized if you are feeding a few people.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to reheat leftover turkey before putting it in tacos?
Yes. Leftover turkey should reach 165°F. Warm it in the skillet before you fill the tortillas.
Can I use leftover gravy in turkey tacos?
A spoonful can loosen the meat in the pan. If you reheat a bowl of gravy on its own, bring it to a rolling boil.
How much leftover turkey do I need?
About a pound of chopped leftover turkey fills a family-size skillet of tacos, but you can scale the pan to whatever you have.