Are you tired of letting those delicious turkey leftovers go to waste? Think again! A turkey carcass can be transformed into a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes, from comforting soups and stews to hearty casseroles and more. In this article, we’ll explore 18 creative and scrumptious ways to repurpose your leftover turkey bones.
Whether you’re looking for a way to stretch a big holiday meal or want to create a new favorite dish for a cozy night in, these recipes are sure to inspire you. From classic comfort foods like chicken noodle soup and beef stew, to international flavors like Korean pho and Mexican ramen, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So go ahead, get creative with your turkey carcass, and turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch or tomorrow’s supper!
Turkey Carcass Soup with Vegetables
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a nourishing and flavorful soup, perfect for a comforting meal or as a base for future meals. This easy recipe highlights the versatility of using every part of your Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (after removing all meat)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass in a large Dutch oven or pot.
3. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Homemade Turkey Stock from Carcass
Transforming a turkey carcass into a rich and flavorful stock is a simple yet rewarding process. This homemade stock can be used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces, adding depth and warmth to your dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (after all meat has been removed)
– 4-6 quarts of water
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast the carcass in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. In a large pot, combine the roasted carcass, water, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
6. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Turkey and Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This classic recipe combines tender turkey, savory rice, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup French-fried onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and French-fried onions.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey Carcass Pho
Pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, is often made with beef bones. But using turkey carcass as the base adds a delicious twist! This recipe yields a rich and flavorful broth that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with neck and giblets removed)
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 piece ginger, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Noodles (preferably pho-style rice noodles)
– Bean sprouts, lime wedges, herbs, and chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and add fish sauce, onion, garlic, and ginger. Roast for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Transfer the roasted carcass to a large pot or Dutch oven with chicken broth, water, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
7. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Serve with hot broth, garnished as desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (includes roasting time)
Slow Cooker Turkey Bone Broth
Nourishing and delicious, slow cooker turkey bone broth is a staple for any health-conscious cook. This recipe yields a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for soups, stews, or as a nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs turkey bones (neck, back, and wings)
– 1 onion, quartered
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey bones, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
3. Place the mixture in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Add thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
5. Cook on low for 24-48 hours or high for 12-18 hours.
6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or container.
7. Discard solids and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Cooking Time: 24-48 hours (low) or 12-18 hours (high)
Turkey Carcass and Dumplings
This hearty recipe transforms leftover turkey carcass into a delicious and comforting dish. With the addition of fluffy dumplings, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with some meat left on the bones)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove any remaining meat from the turkey carcass and set aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the turkey carcass, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter, chicken broth, and chopped parsley. Stir until well combined.
5. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Remove the dumplings from the pot and add any reserved meat back in. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Turkey Carcass Chili
Use leftover turkey carcass to create a hearty and comforting chili perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and get the most out of your holiday turkey.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs cooked turkey carcass (neck, back, and wings)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little oil until tender.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and turkey carcass.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass Pot Pie
This hearty pot pie recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey carcass and make a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced leftover turkey carcass (including bones)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes until tender.
3. Add diced turkey, frozen vegetables, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Fill with turkey mixture and cover with another piece of pie crust or a pie shield.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass Risotto
Transform your leftover turkey carcass into a delicious and comforting risotto, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. This recipe showcases the rich flavors of roasted turkey, paired with creamy Arborio rice and savory vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked turkey carcass (white and dark meat), diced
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the warmed chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced turkey carcass, peas, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey Carcass Noodle Soup
A hearty and comforting soup made with the leftover turkey carcass from your holiday feast, this recipe is perfect for using up every last bit of poultry goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (after removing all meat and bones)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup egg noodles
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the turkey carcass in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add chicken broth, water, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the turkey bones from the pot with a slotted spoon and discard (or save for another use).
4. Add egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions.
5. Season the soup with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect way to reuse your leftover turkey carcass, packed with nutrients and flavor from the wild rice and aromatics. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with some meat still attached)
– 2 cups wild rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until softened.
4. Add the roasted turkey carcass, wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Turkey Carcass Gumbo
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a hearty and flavorful gumbo that’s perfect for a cold winter night. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious meal from scraps.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass, chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons filé powder (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add turkey carcass, thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Stir in filé powder (if using); serve hot, garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass Ramen
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a delicious and comforting bowl of ramen noodles. This recipe is perfect for using up holiday turkey leftovers or making use of roast turkey bones.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass (neck and back bones), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces ramen noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: scallions, bean sprouts, and/or soft-boiled egg for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine turkey carcass pieces, chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the bones are tender.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
5. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
6. Serve hot, topped with cooked noodles, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Barley Stew
This hearty stew is a great way to use up leftover turkey carcass, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass (necks, backs, and wings)
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine turkey carcass, barley, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until turkey is tender and barley is cooked.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Turkey Carcass and Lentil Soup
This hearty soup is a great way to use up leftover turkey carcass and make a nutritious meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. With the added benefits of lentils, this recipe is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Turkey carcass (about 2 pounds), broken into smaller pieces
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little water until tender.
2. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the lentils, chicken broth, and turkey carcass to the pot.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Quinoa Bowl
This hearty bowl combines the flavors of roasted turkey carcass with nutritious quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (after removing all meat)
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass in a large roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add bell pepper and corn kernels to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove turkey carcass from oven and add roasted vegetables to the pan.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the contents of the roasting pan.
8. Serve quinoa in a bowl and top with roasted turkey carcass mixture.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Cornbread Casserole
This comforting casserole is a creative way to use leftover turkey carcass, perfect for using up that extra bird. With the addition of sweet cornbread and savory vegetables, it’s a delicious way to stretch your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey carcass, diced
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the diced turkey carcass with the mixed vegetables until heated through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, milk, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
4. Add the cooked turkey mixture to the cornbread mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Spinach Pasta
Transforming a turkey carcass into a delicious pasta dish is a great way to reduce food waste and create a satisfying meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted turkey with the earthy taste of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup turkey carcass meat, shredded
– 8 oz pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shredded turkey carcass meat and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta with turkey-spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Summary
Don’t let leftover turkey go to waste! Get creative with these 18 delicious recipes that use turkey carcasses. From hearty soups like Turkey Carcass Soup with Vegetables and Homemade Turkey Stock from Carcass, to comforting casseroles like Turkey and Rice Casserole and Turkey Carcass Pot Pie, there’s something for everyone. Try making a flavorful Slow Cooker Turkey Bone Broth or whip up some Turkey Carcass Chili for a spicy kick. These innovative recipes will inspire you to get the most out of your holiday feast and reduce food waste.
