Leftover turkey in gravy is the perfect way to repurpose your Thanksgiving or holiday feast leftovers. This dish takes your leftover turkey and transforms it into a comforting, rich, and hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The turkey simmers in a savory, flavorful gravy made from turkey drippings (or store-bought broth) and seasonings, absorbing all the delicious flavors. It’s a great way to avoid food waste while enjoying a delicious new dish after the holiday celebrations are over.

Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even open-faced sandwiches, this leftover turkey in gravy recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with minimal preparation required. It’s a great way to quickly whip up a comforting meal after a holiday or big family gathering.

2. No Waste

Instead of letting your leftover turkey go to waste, this dish makes the most of those extra turkey pieces, turning them into a flavorful meal.

3. Comfort Food

Turkey in gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need something cozy.

4. Versatile Serving Options

You can serve this dish in many ways—over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even on bread for a turkey sandwich with gravy. The possibilities are endless.

5. Easy to Customize

You can add vegetables, herbs, or seasonings to this recipe to make it your own. It’s a perfect base to experiment with and tailor to your preferences.

Ingredients

Leftover turkey (shredded or chopped)
Turkey gravy (or homemade turkey drippings and stock)
Butter
Onion (optional, finely chopped)
Garlic (optional, minced)
All-purpose flour (for thickening, if needed)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
Chicken or turkey broth (if needed to thin the gravy)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: You can stir in peas, carrots, or corn for added color and nutrition.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy to infuse additional layers of flavor.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy twist.
Mushroom Gravy: For a more savory, earthy flavor, sauté mushrooms and stir them into the gravy before adding the turkey.
Cranberry Sauce: Serve this dish with a dollop of cranberry sauce on top for a sweet-tart contrast to the savory turkey and gravy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gravy

If you’re using store-bought gravy, simply warm it up over medium heat in a large saucepan. If you’re using turkey drippings, begin by heating butter in a pan. Once melted, add finely chopped onions and garlic (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the turkey or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Add the Turkey

Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, add the leftover turkey, either shredded or chopped, to the pan. Stir to coat the turkey in the gravy. Let the turkey simmer in the gravy for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of turkey or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 3: Season and Garnish

Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you’re adding fresh herbs, now is the time to stir them in. Once everything is heated through, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the leftover turkey in gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or bread for an open-faced sandwich. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thickening the Gravy: If your gravy isn’t thick enough, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the gravy to thicken.
Use Homemade Stock: If you have homemade turkey stock from your holiday meal, it will add even more depth of flavor to your gravy.
Reheat Gently: When reheating the turkey in gravy, do so over low heat to prevent the turkey from becoming dry or overcooked.
Leftover Ideas: This dish can also be used to make turkey pot pie or turkey shepherd’s pie. Simply top it with mashed potatoes or pie crust for a new meal.

How to Serve

Leftover turkey in gravy is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few options:

Over Mashed Potatoes: This is a classic way to serve turkey in gravy. The creamy mashed potatoes absorb the rich gravy and make for a filling, comforting meal.
Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve the turkey and gravy over a slice of toasted bread or a bun for a simple open-faced sandwich. You can top it with some cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
With Rice or Noodles: For a change, serve the turkey and gravy over rice or egg noodles for a different twist.
On a Biscuit: This dish is delicious when spooned over warm, fluffy biscuits, making it a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey in gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid drying out the turkey.

Freezing

You can freeze turkey in gravy for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth to loosen the gravy if necessary.

Reheating

To reheat the leftover turkey in gravy, place it in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of turkey or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gravy for this recipe?

Yes! Store-bought gravy works perfectly well in this recipe, making it even easier to put together.

2. How can I make the gravy thicker?

To thicken the gravy, add a slurry of flour and water (or cornstarch and water) and stir until it thickens to your liking.

3. Can I add vegetables to the turkey in gravy?

Absolutely! You can add peas, carrots, corn, or any vegetables you like to make the dish more hearty and nutritious.

4. Can I make turkey in gravy with leftover turkey breast only?

Yes, leftover turkey breast is perfect for this dish. You can shred or chop it and simmer it in the gravy.

5. Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken instead of turkey for a similar result. The gravy and seasonings will still complement chicken beautifully.

6. How long can I store turkey in gravy leftovers?

You can store turkey in gravy leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

7. Can I freeze turkey in gravy?

Yes, turkey in gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.

8. What can I serve turkey in gravy with?

It’s delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or even bread for an open-faced sandwich.

9. Can I add cream to the gravy for a richer texture?

Yes, adding a little heavy cream to the gravy will give it a richer, creamier texture.

10. How can I make this recipe spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the gravy to give it a little heat.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey in gravy is a simple yet satisfying way to use up any extra turkey from your holiday meals. The rich, savory gravy and tender turkey create a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and a great way to ensure your leftovers don’t go to waste. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal with your loved ones, and make the most of your holiday turkey!