Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
User Reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 -6 servings
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Calories
542 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Leftover Turkey Tacos Recipe
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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!
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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 Jalapenos 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.
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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 Information
Show Details
Calories
542kcal
(27%)
Carbohydrates
64g
(21%)
Protein
28g
(56%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
69mg
(23%)
Sodium
769mg
(32%)
Potassium
371mg
(11%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
26g
(52%)
Vitamin A
527IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
261mg
(26%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 542 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 542kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 69mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 769mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 371mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 527IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 261mg | 26% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
3 reviews
Excellent
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