Deliciously Easy Leftover Turkey Hotpot Recipe
Gather around, food enthusiasts! It’s time to put those turkey leftovers to good use in my Leftover Turkey Hotpot Recipe! This dish is a real winner that won’t require much effort but will leave everyone at the table satisfied. I am passionate about cooking, and I’m excited to share my love of food with all of you.
After Thanksgiving or any big feast, does anyone know what to do with the remaining turkey meat that’s still in the fridge? Instead of falling into the trap of eating leftover turkey sandwiches for days on end, try out this delicious and hearty hotpot recipe. It’s packed with flavors and makes for a convenient dinner on a busy night.
This dish fits for those cold winter nights when you want something filling to warm you up from inside out. You won’t regret making it since it is a fantastic alternative to traditional dinner recipes. The creamy leftover turkey meets tender potatoes and prepared stuffing in a buttery sauce that creates a perfect match for turkey’s unique taste.
Don’t let your leftover turkey go to waste anymore – this recipe is too good to be true! So, let’s gather our ingredients and hit the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen, I know that the holiday season is gone, and you’re probably tired of eating turkey. However, before you decide to throw away your leftover turkey meat, give this recipe a chance. I am about to introduce you to one of the best dishes you’ll ever taste- The Leftover Turkey Hotpot Recipe.
Believe it or not, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. It’s hearty, flavorful, and creamy all at the same time. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? With just a few simple ingredients that you most likely have in your kitchen already, you will be able to whip up a delicious meal with your leftover turkey meat in less than 30 minutes.
This hotpot recipe is versatile too! You can use it as a side dish or a main course. Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapenos to give it an extra kick. Feeling creative? Mix in some shredded carrots and onions for that extra crunch!
Trust me when I say that you will quickly become addicted to this dish. It’s like a hug in a bowl on a cold winter night. So give it a try! I promise that you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a delicious leftover turkey hotpot:
- 4 cups of prepared stuffing
- 3 cups of cooked turkey meat, shredded
- 2 cups of potatoes, cubed
- 8 oz of pasta, such as fusilli or penne
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 2 teaspoons of turkey casserole mix
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Note: You can use other types of pasta based on your preference. You can also use any leftover vegetables that you have on hand, such as carrots, peas or green beans.
The Recipe How-To
Here comes the moment of truth: making the Leftover Turkey Hotpot. Get ready to use your culinary skills and dive into the recipe that will transform your plain leftover turkey into a creamy and delicious meal. Let’s start!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1 pound chopped potatoes
- 2 cups prepared stuffing
- 12 oz cooked pasta, preferably al dente
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- Salt, pepper, and any additional spices for taste
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Note: Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts according to your preference or based on how much leftover turkey you have.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta al dente, following the package directions. Then, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped potatoes to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until they turn golden brown.
- Add four cups of shredded leftover turkey meat to the pan with potatoes.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour in one can of cream of chicken soup and add one-half teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix thoroughly.
- Stir in one-and-a-half cups of milk and cook for five minutes, whisking frequently.
- Take off from heat and mix in the cooked pasta and two cups of prepared stuffing.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake for thirty minutes or until all ingredients are heated through and the cheese has melted over the creamy leftover turkey
- Remove from the oven and let cool for five minutes before serving
Serving and Pairing:
This creamy, comforting leftover turkey hotpot pairs well with some green salad or roasted vegetables. It is perfect for a cozy night in, and your family or guests will love it.
Substitutions and Variations:
You can swap out some ingredients or add new ingredients to the recipe, depending on preference. Here are some ideas:
- Replace potatoes with mashed potatoes: use mashed potatoes instead of chopped potatoes.
- Add wild rice: For a variation, substitute cooked rice in place of pasta.
- Try different cheese: You can experiment with various cheeses to add different flavors to the dish.
- Make it low carb: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes to get a healthier version of the dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating:
This leftover turkey hotpot is an excellent make-ahead meal because you can store it in the fridge for up to three to four days before baking. However, make sure that you keep it in
Substitutions and Variations
I love this leftover turkey hotpot recipe because it is versatile and adaptable. You can add or substitute ingredients to suit your liking, and customize the recipe based on the ingredients you already have in your pantry. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try:
– Ground Turkey Rice Casserole: If you prefer a low-carb version of this recipe, you can replace the potatoes with cooked rice and add some ground turkey to the mixture. This will give you a hearty and satisfying casserole that is perfect for colder weather.
– Hearty Turkey Soup: If you want a lighter and more soup-like version of this recipe, simply add more chicken stock or water to thin out the mixture. Add some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to make a hearty and comforting soup.
– Turkey Noodle Casserole: For a more classic version of this recipe, swap the potatoes for egg noodles and top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese before baking it in the oven. This will give you a creamy and delicious noodle casserole that everyone will love.
– Mashed Potatoes with Stuffing Casserole: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving, mix them with prepared stuffing and chopped cooked turkey meat. Spread the mixture into a casserole dish and bake it in the oven until it is heated through. This will give you a comforting and filling casserole with minimal effort.
– Turkey Breast and Rice Hotpot: For a more traditional version of this recipe, use cooked turkey breast instead of leftover turkey meat, and add cooked wild rice to the mixture. This will create a flavorful and fragrant hotpot that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
No matter how you choose to make this recipe, remember to taste it as you go along so you can adjust the seasoning if necessary. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using up your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving up this delicious leftover turkey hotpot, there are plenty of options to consider. Personally, I like to serve mine with a freshly tossed green salad and a side of warm crusty bread. The combination of the creamy leftover turkey, buttery potatoes, and aromatic stuffing flavors in each spoonful pairs perfectly with a crisp salad and a slice or two of bread.
For those looking for something more substantial, why not serve it alongside some comforting mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf? The texture of the potatoes will add an extra layer of creaminess to the dish while the rice will help tame some of the richness, making it an ideal choice for anyone who prefers a lighter meal.
For pairing this dish with beverages, you might want to opt for a light-bodied red or white wine that complements the flavors without overpowering them. Alternatively, a crisp pilsner or lager beer would also work well with this hearty dish.
So whether you’re serving up this turkey hotpot for a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing it with the right sides and drinks. Whatever your choice may be, one thing is certain – your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most casseroles, this Leftover Turkey Hotpot recipe can be made ahead of time to avoid last-minute cooking chaos. To make ahead, complete the recipe as directed up to the point of baking. Once assembled in the casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
This leftover turkey casserole will store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at 40°F or below. If you have more leftovers than you can use within that time frame, consider freezing a portion or two of your creamy leftover turkey hotpot. When stored properly in an airtight container or zip-top bag, this casserole will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When reheating the other portions of leftover turkey hotpot – remove from the fridge and let come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This ensures that the dish heats evenly throughout. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake, covered with foil or lid, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before following the reheating instructions above.
Not only does this make-ahead option save time when meal prepping – especially during busy weekdays – it also makes clean-up a breeze. Just wash the serving dishes while they cool down and reheat when required later with minimal fuss!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art that requires patience, attention to detail, and creativity. One can express themselves through their cooking styles and flavors by experimenting with new recipes. While cooking, every step counts, from selecting the right ingredients to perfect seasoning. The recipe is a guideline, but some tips and tricks can take your dish to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure the perfect results for your leftover turkey hotpot recipe.
My first tip is to cook the pasta al dente. It is crucial not to overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven with other ingredients. Cooking the pasta al dente helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Secondly, I suggest using a casserole dish that’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing while also providing enough capacity for expansion as the ingredients cook together in harmony.
To achieve that creamy leftover turkey, add cream of chicken soup to your casserole mix. The creamy flavor is what makes this leftover turkey hotpot amazing! In case you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider substituting canned soup with unsalted chicken broth or bone broth.
One key point in making any turkey casserole dish is not to add too much salt before tasting it, as cooked turkey already contains sodium naturally.
You can easily make a variation of this recipe with ground turkey rice or egg noodles instead of pasta. One can also substitute wild rice or stuffed mashed potatoes for regular potatoes for different flavors and textures. Shredded cheddar cheese topping brings out the flavors superbly!
If you want to try something different, experiment with different leftover turkey casserole dishes like turkey tetrazzini recipe or hearty turkey soup.
The last step of spreading butter on top before baking brings a sterling finish to that golden brown color in the oven.
Enjoy this delicious leftover turkey hotpot with friends and family as you make new memories together.
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered every aspect of this delicious leftover turkey hotpot recipe, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions to ensure that your cooking experience goes as smoothly as possible. With the following FAQ section, you’ll have all of the necessary information and answers to common concerns or inquiries about the recipe. So, let’s dive into the FAQs!
What to do with over cooked turkey?
When it comes to a not-so-perfect cut of meat, a good gravy can be a lifesaver. Pour on the gravy to disguise any flaws and make the dish taste amazing. To enhance the flavors even further, warm up chicken stock and use it as a base for your gravy. For added richness, focus on using dark meat, which will bring a depth of flavor that will make your recipe unforgettable. However, don’t forget about the side dishes. They can elevate the meal to a whole new level. And finally, make sure to keep everyone’s wine glasses full, so they can enjoy the savory flavors to the fullest.
How long is leftover turkey good for?
To ensure the safety of cooked turkey, it is recommended to consume it within a few days of cooking while keeping it refrigerated at 40°F or below. Leaving leftovers at room temperature can promote the growth of harmful bacteria that thrive in the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, also known as the “Danger Zone.” While refrigeration can slow bacterial growth, it does not completely prevent it. So, it’s crucial always to refrigerate cooked turkey promptly and utilize it within a short period.
How do you reheat leftover turkey without drying it out?
To keep the turkey juicy and tender, tightly cover the pan with foil when reheating. This will create a steamy environment that will help retain moisture. Heat the turkey slowly at a low temperature of 300 degrees, for around 20 to 30 minutes until it’s hot and ready to serve.
How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?
Leftover food containing cooked turkey can be safely stored in the fridge for a period of 3 to 4 days before it should be consumed or thrown away.
Bottom Line
With so much leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, it’s easy to fall into a rut of making the same meals over and over again. This is where my Leftover Turkey Hotpot Recipe comes in! Not only is it a creative way to use up your leftover turkey, but it’s also easy and delicious.
With simple instructions and plenty of room for substitutions and variations, this hotpot recipe can be customized to suit any taste. And because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to four days, it’s perfect for busy weekday dinners or as a meal prep option.
So next time you find yourself staring at that pile of leftover turkey, give this hotpot recipe a try! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Leftover Turkey Hotpot Recipe
Ingredients
- leftover turkey meat
- leftover prepared stuffing (I used Sage and onion)
- leftover gravy
- potato
- salt & pepper
- butter
Instructions
- Butter a casserole dish.
- Peel and slice potatoes.
- Pull turkey apart into BIG bite size pieces.
- Layer up potatoes, turkey, and lumps of stuffing, (in that order), putting a tiny knob of butter and a scant sprinkling of S& P onto the potatoes with each layer.
- Save a layer of potatoes for the top.
- Pour gravy (possibly thinned down a bit) over all, until it only just covers, and then add the reserved layer of potatoes.
- Put a knob of butter and some S& P onto each potato.
- Cover casserole with foil (or a lid) and bake in a low oven for about an hour (longer if you have done a large hotpot)- make sure the potatoes are cooked by inserting a knife to see if they are tender.
- Serve with cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots- whatever veg you like, and, for the piggies amongst us, some crusty bread.