If you’re staring down a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers and craving something bold and comforting, these Leftover Turkey Burritos are about to become your new favorite tradition. Ready in just five minutes, this dish transforms already-loved holiday staples—like tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy—into a flavor-packed handheld meal. With each bite, you’ll savor the perfect combination of textures and flavors, wrapped up in a warm tortilla that’s as portable as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to simplify lunch, whip up a quick dinner, or just get creative with leftovers, these burritos make it delightfully easy to keep the holiday magic going for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Leftover Turkey Burritos lies in its simplicity: a handful of leftovers and pantry basics combine to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient plays a special role—think creamy, savory, sweet, and just a bit tangy—all bundled up for the ultimate post-feast treat.
- Chopped leftover turkey: The star of the show, offering heartiness and classic holiday flavor. Use both white and dark meat for extra depth.
- 8-inch flour tortilla (warmed): A soft tortilla wraps everything together for a cozy, mess-free meal; warming makes it flexible and extra tasty.
- Warm mashed potatoes: Rich and creamy, mashed potatoes add comfort and hold the fillings together.
- Warm prepared stuffing: Savory herbs and a light crunch bring irresistible texture and a burst of familiar flavor.
- Cranberry sauce: Just the right amount of tangy sweetness to balance all those savory notes.
- Warm turkey gravy: Moistens the filling and ties all the flavors together—don’t skip this one!
How to Make Leftover Turkey Burritos
Step 1: Lay Out and Warm Your Tortilla
Start by gently warming your flour tortilla. A brief stint on a dry skillet or even a few seconds in the microwave will make it pliable, so it doesn’t crack when rolling. Place your warm tortilla flat on a clean surface or plate, and get ready to build your burrito masterpiece.
Step 2: Layer the Leftovers
Spoon the chopped leftover turkey down the center of the tortilla—think of it as the savory backbone. Next, add a layer of warm mashed potatoes followed by a generous scoop of stuffing. The sequence ensures the creamy potatoes and hearty stuffing stay nestled in, so every bite is a little celebration.
Step 3: Add the Sauces
Dollop cranberry sauce over your pile of turkey, potatoes, and stuffing. Don’t be shy! Its fruity zing is what makes these Leftover Turkey Burritos pop. Then, pour two tablespoons of warmed gravy over the top. Feel free to drizzle a little extra if that’s your style.
Step 4: Roll It Up Burrito-Style
Fold the two sides of your tortilla toward the center, then tightly roll the burrito from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure not to overstuff—this helps everything stay together and prevents messy spills.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Slice your burrito in half if you like, and get ready to dig in. Serving immediately means the fillings stay perfectly warm and gooey. Place a little extra cranberry sauce or a side of hot gravy for dipping, and you’ve got a Leftover Turkey Burrito experience worthy of any feast.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Burritos
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few fresh cranberry halves can add a festive flair, while a light dusting of black pepper or even a drizzle of hot sauce brings another layer of flavor. Don’t forget that little bowl of extra gravy or cranberry sauce on the side—perfect for dunking and double-dipping.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple with crisp salad greens tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, or offer roasted vegetables to echo those classic holiday flavors. If you’re feeling cozy, a cup of turkey or vegetable soup pairs beautifully with these Leftover Turkey Burritos, rounding out the meal without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends or family by slicing the burritos into cute rounds, securing each with a toothpick for a platter of holiday-inspired burrito bites. Or bundle them in parchment and tie with twine for a lunchbox treat or an easy-to-transport picnic feast. However you share them, Leftover Turkey Burritos never fail to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re preparing a few burritos in advance, wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Leftover Turkey Burritos are excellent for the freezer! Once assembled (without extra gravy on the side), wrap each burrito snugly in foil and then place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When the craving strikes, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until piping hot. For a crispier bite, finish warming in a toaster oven or skillet. Don’t forget to reheat extra gravy for drizzling or dipping alongside your freshly revived burrito.
FAQs
Can I use other leftovers in my burrito?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about Leftover Turkey Burritos is their versatility. Swap in leftover roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, or green bean casserole—just be careful not to overfill or add too many wet ingredients that might make the tortilla soggy.
What’s the best way to keep the tortilla from tearing?
Make sure your tortilla is warm and flexible before assembling. Overstuffing can also cause rips, so keep the portions moderate. If your tortilla does crack, a little extra gravy or cheese can help act as a delicious “patch.”
Can I make these burritos ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Leftover Turkey Burritos are a dream for meal-preppers—simply wrap them tightly and store in the fridge or freezer as noted above. Reheat as needed and enjoy a quick, hearty meal all week long.
Is there a vegetarian version of this burrito?
Definitely. Substitute turkey with extra stuffing, roasted vegetables, or mashed sweet potatoes. Vegetarian gravy and veggie stuffing work perfectly for a delicious meat-free burrito while still channeling those holiday flavors.
How do I keep the burrito from getting soggy?
Allow leftovers to fully cool before assembly if they’re straight from the fridge—you can gently reheat them right before building. Use just enough gravy and cranberry sauce for flavor, and serve extra sauces on the side for dipping instead of inside the burrito.
Final Thoughts
These Leftover Turkey Burritos are pure magic—fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face after any holiday feast. Give them a try, customize with whatever you’ve got in the fridge, and watch your leftovers disappear in the most delicious way possible!
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Leftover Turkey Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal with these easy leftover turkey burritos. Packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, these burritos are a tasty way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season in a new way.
Ingredients
Leftover Turkey Burritos:
- 1/2 cup chopped leftover turkey
- 1 8-inch flour tortilla, warmed
- 1/4 cup warm mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup warm prepared stuffing
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp warm turkey gravy
Instructions
- Spoon the turkey down the center of the tortilla, then top with the remaining ingredients. Fold in the opposite sides of the tortilla, then roll up burrito style.
- Serve immediately, with extra cranberry sauce and/or warm gravy for dipping.
Notes
- You can use any leftovers from Thanksgiving and don’t have to just stick to turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Use up that leftover green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, etc.
- On that note, you can also adjust the amounts to suit your tastes or what you have left.
- Don’t overstuff your burrito. You want it to be able to close nicely.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 436 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
