20 Minute Leftover Turkey Tacos
When you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey to use up but are looking for a different flavor profile: Leftover Turkey Tacos to the rescue! This easy dinner can be on your table in just 20 minutes.
Servings 4
Equipment
Ingredients
– for the tortillas
- 12 medium flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– for the filling
- 3 cups chopped cooked turkey
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 2 oz cream cheese slightly softened and cut into small chunks
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- Sea salt to taste
– to top
- Any favorite taco toppings such as: Avocado, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, shredded lettuce, etc.
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out to soften a bit. Chop the turkey.
- In a large skillet, start browning the tortillas three at a time over medium heat (it’s OK if they overlap slightly). Brown one side, flip, top with shredded cheese, and brown the other side just until the cheese is melted — remembering that residual heat will keep that cheese melting a bit after you remove these from the pan.
- Remove each set of three cheesy tortillas to a separate plate, and repeat this process until all tortillas are browned.
- While the tortillas are browning, add the chopped turkey and salsa to a second medium skillet. Warm up this mixture over medium heat until warmed through, stirring frequently.
- Chop the cream cheese. Stir the cream cheese and spices into the skillet with the turkey, then continue to heat and stir over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated and everything is heated through.
- Taste, and spice up a bit further if desired.
- Assemble your leftover turkey tacos using your spiced up creamy turkey filling and the prepared tortillas. Add taco toppings of choice, fold up, and enjoy!
Notes
Note: You can also make these tacos with leftover cooked chicken and they'll turn out great. I used a mixture of dark and white meat turkey here; either or both will work.