These are the best Thanksgiving leftover recipes to turn your extra holiday turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, and more into new mouthwatering meals! You no longer have to be stuck with turkey sandwiches the week after Thanksgiving. We look forward to our leftovers every year, and now your family will, too!
Jump to:
- What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Leftover Turkey
- 1. Turkey Noodle Soup
- 2. Turkey Southwestern Casserole
- 3. Turkey Enchiladas
- 4. Turkey Rice Casserole
- 5. Turkey Stroganoff
- 6. Turkey Carnitas
- 7. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
- 8. Turkey Tetrazzini
- 9. Turkey a la King
- 10. Turkey Curry
- 11. Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Leftover Ham
- 12. Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese
- 13. Ham Ramen
- 14. Cheesy Leftover Ham Pasta
- 15. Ham Stroganoff
- 16. Holiday Ham Casserole
- Leftover Prime Rib
- 17. Leftover Prime Rib Sandwich
- 18. Prime Rib Taquitos
- 19. Prime Rib Breakfast Burritos
- 20. Prime Rib Tostadas
- 21. Prime Rib Burritos
- 22. Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
- 23. Leftover Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
- 24. Prime Rib Tacos
- 25. Prime Rib Beef Barley Soup With Mushrooms
- 26. Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff
- 27. Prime Rib Hash
- Leftover Roast Beef
- 28. Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
- 29. Vegetable Beef Soup
- 30. Beef with Garlic Sauce
- 31. Easy Beef Stroganoff
- 32. Breakfast Quesadillas
- Leftover Chicken
- 32. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas with Green Enchilada Sauce
- 33. Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole
- 34. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- 35. Bisquick Chicken & Dumplings
- 36. Chicken Parmesan Pizza
- Leftover Lamb
- 37. Lamb Lancashire Hot Pot
- 38. Lamb Curry
- 39. Lamb Gyros
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- 40. Shepherd’s Pie (or the pot pies above)
- 41. Potato Croquettes
- 42. Cheese Croquettes
- 43. Korokke
- 44. Boxty Irish Pancakes
- Leftover Stuffing
- 45. Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops
- 46. Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- 47. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- ❓ How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last
- 💭 Tips For Using Up Thanksgiving Leftovers
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: + All The Best Ways To Use Up Thanksgiving Leftovers!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers
After Thanksgiving dinner has come and gone, many of us find ourselves facing a fridge full of holiday leftovers. Instead of reheating the same plate day after day, why not transform them into something new?
This list of recipes can be your go-to guide for turning the remains of your Thanksgiving dinner into new mouthwatering meals! Ditch the reheat-and-eat routine for good, and start looking forward to leftovers!
Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!
Leftover Turkey
Turkeys are a big bird, and you will often end up with a lot of leftovers. Luckily, that extra roasted Thanksgiving turkey can be used in soups, casseroles, enchiladas, or just about any recipe calling for cooked chicken!
1. Turkey Noodle Soup
Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or a comforting lunch, turkey noodle soup is an excellent choice. With the tender meat from your oven-roasted turkey and wholesome vegetables in a savory seasoned chicken broth, what's not to love?
2. Turkey Southwestern Casserole
If you're tired of Thanksgiving food, this turkey Southwestern casserole takes the flavor in an entirely different direction! Loaded with cheese, beans, pico de Gallo, and rice, it's full of Tex-Mex flavor that your family will love.
3. Turkey Enchiladas
Shredded turkey, rolled up in tortillas and smothered in zesty enchilada sauce, and baked for a quick and satisfying dinner. Top it off with plenty of melted cheese and your favorite Mexican garnishes!
4. Turkey Rice Casserole
Give your leftover turkey a comfort food makeover with this hearty rice casserole. Mix in the succulent shreds of turkey with cooked rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a warm and satisfying one-dish meal.
5. Turkey Stroganoff
Tender turkey strips coated in a creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce for a tasty twist on classic beef stroganoff! Serve it over pasta or rice for a quick and indulgent dinner that turns your turkey leftovers into a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
6. Turkey Carnitas
Shredded turkey gets a zesty kick as it simmers in a medley of spices, creating a savory filling for tacos or burritos. With your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, these carnitas are perfect for Taco Tuesday!
7. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
Combining the succulence of leftover turkey with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, these meatballs are perfect for game day! Serve them as appetizers with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
8. Turkey Tetrazzini
Say goodbye to boring, reheated turkey with this creamy and indulgent turkey tetrazzini. The rich pasta dish features leftover turkey in a luscious alfredo sauce mixed with pasta, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese!
9. Turkey a la King
Rich and creamy turkey a la king is a family favorite after Thanksgiving dinner! Serve the creamy mixture of turkey, veggies, and rich sauce over a bed of white rice or mashed potatoes for an easy and hearty meal.
10. Turkey Curry
Fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric come together to create a robust curry sauce that complements the tender turkey. Serve it over rice for a fun twist on an Indian classic.
11. Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey cranberry sliders are an excellent way to use up leftover turkey and leftover cranberry sauce! It's like a snack-sized Thanksgiving dinner on a bun!
See my entire collection of leftover turkey recipes here for more great ideas!
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
Leftover Ham
Turkey might be the top dog at Thanksgiving, but baked holiday ham is a close second, with many families choosing to serve both! Ham makes an easy addition to breakfast, or you can incorporate it into some of these recipes!
12. Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese
This easy-to-make casserole combines the savory goodness of ham with the crunch of broccoli, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful way to repurpose your holiday ham and create a new family favorite!
13. Ham Ramen
This easy and delicious ramen recipe gives your leftover ham a flavorful Asian-inspired makeover. Pork belly ramen is a classic, so ham makes a great alternative and gives the broth the most wonderful ham-infused flavor!
14. Cheesy Leftover Ham Pasta
Once holiday vacation is over, this easy ham pasta is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It's rich and cheesy with tender farfalle noodles, peas, carrots, and as much leftover ham as you want!
15. Ham Stroganoff
This quick and easy recipe combines tender chunks of leftover hams with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a hearty and satisfying dinner any day of the week!
16. Holiday Ham Casserole
Similar to au gratin potatoes, this leftover ham casserole features thinly sliced potatoes and ham baked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. My secret ingredient is Dijon mustard, which gives it the most subtle and delicious tang!
You can find even more amazing recipes to make with leftover ham here!
Leftover Prime Rib
When you splurge on a succulent prime rib, you don't want one bite of that beef to go to waste. Roasted prime rib has been a holiday tradition of mine, so I've had plenty of time to find the best ways to use the leftovers!
17. Leftover Prime Rib Sandwich
Layer thin slices of prime rib between your favorite bread, add creamy horseradish sauce, and pile on some crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy your leftover roast that still lets the taste of the beef shine!
18. Prime Rib Taquitos
Roll up shredded prime rib and cheese in corn tortillas and fry or bake until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa, creamy guacamole, and sour cream for a quick lunch or dinner!
19. Prime Rib Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a hearty breakfast using leftover prime rib! Scramble some eggs, mix in shredded prime rib, cheese, and any other fillings, and roll it up in a warm flour tortilla.
20. Prime Rib Tostadas
My homemade tostada shells provide the perfect base for tender slices of prime rib and all the fixings. Refried black beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheese are my go-tos!
21. Prime Rib Burritos
Tender sliced prime rib is the perfect protein for a gourmet burrito! I use rice, beans, pico, cheese, and guacamole here, but they are easy to customize with your favorite condiments and fillings!
22. Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Thinly sliced prime rib is sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese, making for one amazing sandwich! Prime rib is like an upgrade to a classic Philly cheesesteak; you can taste it in every bite!
For a lower-carb option, these Philly cheesesteak-stuffed mushrooms and bell peppers are also delicious!
23. Leftover Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
Thin slices of succulent prime rib are piled onto a soft baguette and served with a side of savory prime rib au jus for dipping. The prime rib flavors combined with the au jus give it the most rich and satisfying beef flavor!
24. Prime Rib Tacos
Turn your prime rib into gourmet street tacos with a little taco seasoning and some tortillas! I keep these tacos simple with pico, cheese, and cilantro, but you can add whatever taco toppings you like!
25. Prime Rib Beef Barley Soup With Mushrooms
This comforting soup is a breeze to make and a delightful way to repurpose your prime rib into a warm and satisfying dish. Prime rib combined with wholesome barley and the umami goodness of mushrooms creates a soup that's perfect for chilly days!
26. Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff
Succulent slices of prime rib in a creamy and flavorful stroganoff sauce made with a blend of mushrooms, onions, and sour cream. It's hard to believe, but it tastes even better than it sounds and is so easy to make!
27. Prime Rib Hash
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, this prime rib potato hash is a delicious way to kickstart your day! If I have family staying over after Thanksgiving, this is my quick go-to breakfast for guests!
Check out my complete collection of leftover prime rib recipes right here! It's the best on the web!!
Leftover Roast Beef
You can add roast beef to salads, sandwiches, pasta, or anything that could use some protein! Most of the prime rib leftover recipes listed above will work for leftover roast beef, too!
28. Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
Thinly slice your roast beef for the most flavorful deli meat that is perfect for making sandwiches! Horseradish mayonnaise is my condiment of choice, but you can always customize the toppings!
29. Vegetable Beef Soup
Chunks of roast beef can be used in many of your favorite fall soup recipes! With a little beef stew seasoning, savory broth, and hearty vegetables, it transforms into a comforting soup perfect for dreary days and cold weather!
30. Beef with Garlic Sauce
This quick and flavorful dish is a marriage of succulent beef, aromatic garlic, and savory soy-based sauce. Serve it over a bed of fried rice or noodles for a simple yet satisfying meal bursting with garlicky goodness!
31. Easy Beef Stroganoff
Chop up the beef and simmer it in a rich and creamy mushroom stroganoff sauce for an easy beef stroganoff. Spoon this luscious mixture over egg noodles or rice in a bowl for pure comfort food!
32. Breakfast Quesadillas
These hearty quesadillas are a savory and satisfying way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a delightful breakfast or brunch. Swap the bacon for beef, or use both for an out-of-this-world quesadilla!
See all of my favorite dishes to make with leftover roast beef here!
Leftover Chicken
Chicken isn't the most popular choice for Thanksgiving, but some people prefer it. Turkey will work just as well in any of these recipes, too!
32. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas with Green Enchilada Sauce
These enchiladas bring together the creamy goodness of sour cream and the tanginess of green enchilada sauce! Use leftover shredded chicken for a satisfying and flavorful dinner that's super simple to make.
33. Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole
Tender chunks of chicken have never tasted better than they do when baked in a cheesy casserole with nacho cheese Doritos! It is certainly a favorite family dinner for kids, but adults will love it, too!
34. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
For a quick and delicious family dinner, try making chicken spaghetti with Rotel using your leftover chicken! Velveeta, cream, and cream cheese give it the most rich and decadent sauce in just 30 minutes.
35. Bisquick Chicken & Dumplings
Experience the comfort of classic chicken and dumplings with this easy recipe that utilizes leftover chicken and the convenience of Bisquick! This hearty soup brings together chunks of chicken and fluffy dumplings in a flavorful chicken broth.
36. Chicken Parmesan Pizza
Slice, bread, and fry (or bake) your leftover chicken for a homemade chicken Parmesan pizza! You could even try it on my super simple 2-ingredient pizza dough!
Leftover chicken is a quick and convenient ingredient that can be used in too many ways to count! You can find my most popular recipes for using leftover chicken here.
Leftover Lamb
Roasted lamb is a popular choice for Christmas and Easter, with some people choosing to enjoy it at Thanksgiving, too! Leftover lamb is a precious protein that I love turning into new and unique dishes like these!
37. Lamb Lancashire Hot Pot
Layered with slices of tender lamb, potatoes, and onions, a hot pot is a classic British comfort food. Everything is brazed in a rich gravy until bubbling and tender!
38. Lamb Curry
With a generous amount of yellow curry powder, this rich and satisfying lamb curry has no shortage of flavor! Serve your curry over rice or with warm naan bread for a delicious meal that showcases the rich taste of lamb.
39. Lamb Gyros
Thinly slice the lamb and warm it up in a pan, then stuff it into warm pita bread with fresh veggies, tzatziki sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs. The result is a quick and tasty gyro that makes great use of your leftover lamb!
Don't waste one bite of that succulent lamb meat! Check out my full collection of leftover lamb recipes right here!
Leftover Mashed Potatoes
I'm a firm believer that you can never have too much mashed potatoes! They make a creamy and starchy base for a number of amazing meals, from pot pies to croquettes, casseroles, and more!
40. Shepherd’s Pie (or the pot pies above)
Shepherd's pie is known for its signature mashed potato topping, which is the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! You can also use leftover lamb meat to make your shepherd's pie or leftover beef (which is called cottage pie)!
41. Potato Croquettes
Mix your leftover mashed potatoes with breadcrumbs, finely chopped herbs, and a touch of seasoning. Shape the mixture into small cylinders, then coat them in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs and fry until golden and crispy!
42. Cheese Croquettes
Cheese croquettes are similar to the potato croquettes above, with a mashed potato base and breadcrumb coating, but there's cheese! Fontina and Parmesan are personal favorites, though you can try it with whatever cheese you have on hand or prefer!
43. Korokke
Korokke is a Japanese version of croquettes made with a base of mashed potatoes and fried until golden and crispy. The recipe calls for Panko breadcrumbs, which give these potato pancakes the most amazing crunch!
44. Boxty Irish Pancakes
These fried potato pancakes are an easy way to give new life to leftover mashed potatoes. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
If you didn't know already, you can freeze your mashed potatoes for later to have a quick side dish at the ready! Follow these steps for freezing mashed potatoes and reheating mashed potatoes for the best results!
Leftover Stuffing
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this dish is an essential part of any Thanksgiving Day celebration! Save your leftover Thanksgiving stuffing for casseroles or hearty stuffing-stuffed proteins like these:
45. Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops
Take those extra scoops of stuffing and fill pocketed pork chops for a flavorful fusion of tender meat and seasoned stuffing. Bake until the chops are golden brown for a delicious dinner with Thanksgiving flavor in every bite!
46. Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Slice a pocket into boneless, skinless chicken breasts, load them up with your leftover stuffing, and bake! Add cranberries for a pop of sweetness, or you can leave them off if you are all cranberried-out from the holidays!
I like to top my stuffed chicken breasts off with chicken gravy (or leftover turkey gravy if you have it). But that's totally optional!
47. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
For a comforting and easy post-Thanksgiving meal, whip up a chicken stuffing casserole using your leftover stuffing. Shred up some cooked chicken, add peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings, fold in the stuffing, and bake!
If you want to make the most of your stuffing, you can always freeze it for later! Follow my guides to freezing stuffing and reheating stuffing, and it will taste just as good as the day you made it!
❓ How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last
Generally, it's best to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers within 3-4 days (unless frozen). This applies to just about any food that needs to be refrigerated, whether it's Thanksgiving leftovers or not.
Guide To Thanksgiving Leftovers
Remember, most food should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or bacteria can grow. For a more specific guideline, follow these suggested storing times for the most traditional Thanksgiving recipes:
| Thanksgiving Leftovers | How Long It Will Last In The Fridge | How Long It Will Last In The Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Ham | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Prime Rib | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Roast Beef | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Lamb | 3-4 days | 2-4 months |
| Mashed Potatoes | 3-5 days | up to 6 months |
| Stuffing | 4 days | 3 months |
| Sweet Potatoes (& Other Veggies) | 3-5 days | up to 3 months |
| Cranberry Sauce | 7-10 days | 4 months |
💭 Tips For Using Up Thanksgiving Leftovers
It's always a good idea to stock up on Tupperware, Ziploc bags, or disposable storage containers that guests don't have to return! Here are a few other ways to reduce the amount of Thanksgiving leftovers in your fridge:
- Have a Friendsgiving celebration: Friends are chosen family, and an after-thanksgiving celebration with all your besties is a great way to clear out leftovers! You can repurpose your food into the recipes above or call it a lazy potluck and let everyone enjoy each other's family's cooking!
- Send leftovers home with family: The minute you start cleaning up, ask who wants to take home some food! It's a goldmine for anyone who doesn't want to cook (college-aged me used to load up on Thanksgiving leftovers)!
- Freeze what you can: Meat, vegetables, potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, rolls, and gravy all freeze quite well! You can always portion out some for freezing and keep the rest in the fridge to enjoy the next few days.
Which of these mouthwatering Thanksgiving leftover recipes are you most excited to try? Share your favorite ways to enjoy holiday leftovers in the comments below!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes: + All The Best Ways To Use Up Thanksgiving Leftovers!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups ham (cooked and sliced into chunks)
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 6-8 oz fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 6 oz frozen peas (thawed)
- 16 oz sour cream
- 16 oz egg noodles
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Make The Gravy Sauce
- Add 2 tablespoon butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 cups ham and saute it until warmed through.
- Add 6-8 oz fresh mushrooms, 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper to taste, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder and stir to combine. Cook off the flour taste for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and bring to a low simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened then add the 6 oz frozen peas and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm them through.
Assemble and Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in 16 oz sour cream until creamy. Cover while you boil the noodles.
- Meanwhile, cook 16 oz egg noodles as directed on the package. Drain the noodles (without rinsing) and add them to the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Cover and remove from heat. Let set for 10 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- Ham is salty as-is. So, it's a safe idea to begin with less salt than written, then taste and adjust the seasonings at the end as needed.
- Fresh mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms work well. You can also use a mix of different mushrooms for more flavor.
- Greek yogurt makes a great alternative to the sour cream in this recipe. In either case, use the full-fat versions for the richest gravy.
- For presentation's sake, a sprinkle of fresh parsley will add a much-needed pop of color!
- Let your leftover ham stroganoff cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Once cooled, you can freeze your leftovers in a Ziploc freezer bag for 2-3 months (squeeze out as much excess air as possible). Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Add the leftovers to a large skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can quickly reheat individual portions of ham stroganoff in the microwave, too.
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