Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to feel repetitive. These Thanksgiving Turkey Tacos are a fresh, colorful, and flavorful way to turn leftover turkey into a new dish everyone will love. I remember the first time I swapped the classic turkey sandwich for tacos—it was a game-changer. The seasoned turkey filling combined with toppings like cranberry salsa, avocado, and cheese created a festive meal that felt completely new, yet still full of holiday spirit.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup turkey or chicken broth
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Toppings: shredded lettuce, cranberry salsa, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened. Stir in shredded turkey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is hot and well-seasoned. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with turkey mixture and add toppings like lettuce, cranberry salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a bright finishing touch.
Substitutions
Use shredded chicken instead of turkey if needed. Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter topping. Replace cranberry salsa with pico de gallo or mango salsa. For a low-carb option, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
Equipment
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife
Serving platter
Tongs
Storage
Refrigerator: Store turkey filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the seasoned turkey filling (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist.
Top Tips
Shred turkey finely so it soaks up the spices better. Warm tortillas before assembling for flexibility. Don’t overload the tacos—balance toppings for easy eating. A squeeze of lime over the top brings out all the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make these spicy? Yes, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
Are corn tortillas better than flour? Both work well—corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor.
What sides pair best with turkey tacos? Rice, beans, or roasted vegetables are perfect complements.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? The filling can be made in advance; just assemble tacos before serving for freshness.