Name: Leftover Turkey in Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb mushrooms, sliced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works well too); 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 4-6 cups leftover turkey meat, torn into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste); 1 Tbsp parsley to garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Leftover Turkey in Gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that transforms your Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers into a new, flavorful meal. This recipe uses tender turkey meat combined with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a rich homemade gravy made with chicken broth and butter. The savory flavors of the turkey and gravy blend together perfectly, creating a hearty, satisfying dish that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up your leftovers or just craving a comforting, easy meal, this recipe is a great way to enjoy your turkey in a whole new light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

This recipe is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and only about 30 minutes of preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover turkey.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

The creamy gravy, combined with the tender turkey and sautéed mushrooms, creates a dish that’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.

3. Perfect for Leftovers

This recipe is ideal for using up leftover turkey from holiday meals, giving those leftovers a fresh new life in a flavorful dish.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the seasoning and add vegetables or herbs to suit your preferences, making this dish your own.

5. Versatile

This dish can be served over a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, making it a versatile meal option for any occasion.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Mushrooms, sliced
Small onion, finely chopped

Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works well too)
Chicken broth (low sodium)

Leftover turkey meat, torn into bite-sized pieces
Sea salt (to taste)
Ground black pepper (to taste)

Parsley for garnish (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or corn, for added texture and flavor.
Creamy Version: For a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce.

Herb Flavor: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an extra boost of flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.

How to Make Leftover Turkey in Gravy

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the mushrooms release their moisture.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Add the butter to the skillet with the mushrooms and onions. Once the butter melts, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the gravy to thicken for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Turkey

Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, add the leftover turkey meat. Stir to combine, allowing the turkey to warm through and absorb the flavors of the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Once the turkey is heated and the gravy is thickened, serve the dish hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, be careful not to overcook it when adding it to the gravy. Just heat it through to keep the meat tender.
Adjust Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control the sodium content of this dish, opt for low-sodium chicken broth, especially if you’re adding salt later.

How to Serve

Leftover Turkey in Gravy is versatile and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It can also be enjoyed with crusty bread, biscuits, or even on top of a salad for a lighter option. This dish makes a perfect main course for lunch or dinner and pairs well with a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.

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 on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if necessary to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Turkey in Gravy for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover turkey and gravy in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a small amount of chicken broth to loosen it.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute the turkey with leftover chicken, roast beef, or even pork for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use a different kind of flour for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free flour works well if you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour.

3. Can I add cream to the gravy?

Yes, for a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture after it thickens.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick of heat.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replacing the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

6. Can I use store-bought turkey gravy?

If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought turkey gravy, though making your own gravy from scratch provides a richer flavor.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add additional vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the dish to make it heartier.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat when ready to serve.

9. How do I thicken the gravy?

If the gravy is too thin, allow it to simmer for a longer period to reduce. You can also add a little more flour to thicken it.

10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey and gravy in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and make the roux on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for a few hours until heated through.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey in Gravy is the perfect way to repurpose your holiday turkey and turn it into a comforting, flavorful meal. With a rich, homemade gravy and tender turkey, this dish is satisfying and easy to make. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s a great option for using up leftovers and enjoying a delicious meal the whole family will love.