Leftover turkey is a wonderful treat after a holiday feast, but what do you do with those extra turkey bits? If you’re looking to create a cozy, flavorful meal out of your leftover turkey, this Leftover Turkey in Gravy recipe is perfect. It takes minimal time and effort, turning simple ingredients into a savory dish that feels like a warm hug. With tender turkey pieces simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy made with mushrooms, onions, and chicken broth, this dish is the perfect way to repurpose your leftovers. Whether you’re using Thanksgiving turkey or any roasted turkey from a previous meal, this recipe ensures no turkey goes to waste while creating a hearty, comforting meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

In just 30 minutes, you can transform leftover turkey into a flavorful dish, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want a comforting meal without a lot of time spent in the kitchen.

2. Rich and Flavorful Gravy

The combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a homemade gravy made with butter and chicken broth creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the turkey.

3. Uses Leftovers Creatively

This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover turkey, turning it into something new and exciting. No more bland leftovers – this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

4. Flexible Ingredients

The ingredients are simple and versatile, meaning you can easily swap or add things based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s a dish that allows for customization.

5. Comfort Food at Its Best

With a creamy, savory gravy and tender turkey, this recipe is the definition of comfort food. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a little extra warmth in your life.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Mushrooms, sliced
Onion, finely chopped
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Chicken broth (low sodium)
Leftover turkey meat, torn into bite-sized pieces
Sea salt
Ground black pepper
Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: For a more hearty dish, you can add carrots, peas, or green beans to the gravy.
Spicy Turkey Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add a fragrant twist to the gravy.
Crispy Turkey: Sauté the turkey in a hot pan before adding it to the gravy for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the mushrooms release their moisture.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

Add the butter to the skillet and melt it with the mushrooms and onions. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens into a smooth gravy.

Step 3: Add the Turkey

Add the leftover turkey to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the turkey heat through in the gravy for about 5 minutes, making sure it’s well coated.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season the dish with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Stir Constantly When Adding Broth: To avoid lumps in the gravy, make sure you stir constantly when adding the chicken broth.
Use a Good Chicken Broth: The broth is a key flavor element, so use a high-quality, low-sodium broth for the best taste.
Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, simply heat it through in the gravy to avoid it becoming dry or tough.
Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy gravy, stir in a little bit of cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.

How to Serve

Leftover Turkey in Gravy is best served with mashed potatoes, rice, or over warm biscuits. It can also be served on a bed of egg noodles or with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a more indulgent meal, try it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Turkey in Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little bit of broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, you may need to add a little bit of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture of the gravy. Heat slowly over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the turkey.

FAQs

1. Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

Yes, chicken or even leftover roast beef works well in this dish.

2. Can I make this without flour?

Yes, you can use a cornstarch slurry or gluten-free flour to thicken the gravy without regular flour.

3. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought gravy as a shortcut, though homemade gravy adds a richer flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or even corn would be a great addition.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Simply store it in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for later.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk option.

7. How can I make the gravy thicker?

You can add a little extra flour or cook the gravy for a few more minutes to thicken it.

8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours after sautéing the vegetables, but be sure to add the turkey just before serving so it doesn’t dry out.

9. Can I serve this over pasta?

Yes, this dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or any pasta you prefer.

10. What sides pair best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables all pair wonderfully with Leftover Turkey in Gravy.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey in Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that takes your holiday leftovers to the next level. With its rich, savory gravy and tender turkey, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal, this recipe is a great way to make the most of your leftover turkey while creating a dish that everyone will love.