Leftover Turkey in gravy is the best and easiest way to use up leftover Roast Turkey meat. All you need are some leftover Dinner Rolls to soak up that sauce.

The mushroom gravy makes the turkey meat so tender and juicy all over again and it’s especially good served over Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

Leftover Turkey Recipe in Creamy Mushroom Sauce Gravy served in pan with wooden spoon

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What to do with Leftover Turkey:

We love Thanksgiving leftovers and it is impressive how much turkey meat you can rescue from your Juicy Roast Turkey even after you think there’s nothing left. We plucked away at my Mom’s turkey last year and got about 8 cups of turkey meat (this was after about 12 people ate it).

I made a big batch of this turkey in gravy for my sister’s house for lunch and everyone loved it! It was a big win across the board and they went on and on about how great the turkey gravy tasted over leftover Mashed Potatoes. Best of all, it never tastes like leftovers.

Leftover turkey recipe served over mashed potatoes

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey in Gravy:

The ingredients are so simple – mostly pantry staples: chicken broth, mushrooms, butter, onion, and flour.

  • Mushrooms: Use white or brown mushrooms. Mushrooms add great flavor but if you aren’t a mushroom fan, you can skip the mushrooms.
  • For gluten-free: substitute with a “cup-for-cup” GF flour
Ingredients for turkey in mushroom gravy

To Get the Most Turkey Meat: Focus on the underside of the turkey – this is usually the side that sits in all the turkey juices and much of it is dark meat which is so tender and tasty.

Can I Substitute with Chicken?

You can still make this recipe long-after Thanksgiving is over by using chicken. This is a great way to re-purpose leftover Rotisserie Chicken and you can use both white and dark meat.

Can I use Leftover Gravy?

If you were lucky enough to have leftover Turkey Gravy from your Thanksgiving dinner, here’s a secret trick – just combine the leftover gravy with the shredded turkey and it will be scrumptious!

What can I do with the Turkey Carcass?

If you want to make the most use out of your leftover turkey, be sure to keep the turkey carcass for an incredible turkey Bone Broth. It’s the same process using turkey bones instead of chicken and results in a rich broth to use in Turkey Noodle Soup.

How to Make Turkey Leftovers in Gravy:

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Saute diced onions until golden (4-5 min). Add mushrooms saute until soft and golden (5-7 min), stirring often. Remove mushrooms and onions from the pan.

sauteeing onions and mushrooms to make turkey in gravy

2. In the same hot pan, melt 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, then whisk in 3 Tbsp flour, whisking constantly until roux is golden brown (1 1/2 to 2 min), then whisk in 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and season to taste (about 1/2 tsp sea salt and a pinch of pepper).

How to make gravy for turkey in gravy

3. Add mushrooms/onions back to the pan. Stir in turkey and heat until turkey is just heated through. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.

Step by step how to make turkey in gravy

This is one of those recipes that makes us wish we had more turkey leftovers. This recipe can be even juicier and more flavorful than fresh turkey.

How to Make leftover turkey in mushroom gravy in a pan

Leftover Turkey Recipes You’ll Love:

Whether you have leftover turkey breast or leftover dark meat, these turkey leftover recipes are our favorite ways to enjoy that turkey meat without tasting like leftovers.

Leftover Turkey in Gravy Recipe

4.95 from 108 votes
Leftover Turkey in Gravy recipe garnished with parsley
This leftover Turkey recipe is by far my favorite way to use up leftover turkey! Turkey in creamy mushroom sauce is so easy and a big win in our family!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings as a main coars
  • 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

Instructions

  • Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil and diced onions and sauté until soft and golden (4-5 minutes, stirring frequently). Add mushrooms to the pan and sauté until soft and golden (5-7 min, stirring frequently). Remove mushrooms and onions from pan.
  • In the same hot pan (no need to wash it), add 4 Tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 3 Tbsp flour. Cook, whisking continually until roux is a golden brown (1 1/2 to 2 min) then whisk in 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and season to taste (I added 1/2 tsp sea salt and a pinch of black pepper).
  • Add add mushrooms/onions back to the pan. Stir in turkey and heat until turkey is just heated through. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving

323kcal Calories7g Carbs29g Protein19g Fat7g Saturated Fat122mg Cholesterol296mg Sodium490mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar325IU Vitamin A3.8mg Vitamin C22mg Calcium1.7mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Leftover Turkey in Gravy Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
323
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
122
mg
41
%
Sodium
 
296
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
490
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
29
g
58
%
Vitamin A
 
325
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
3.8
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
22
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1.7
mg
9
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: leftover turkey, turkey in gravy
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 323
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

I’d love to hear your creative ideas for leftover turkey. Let me know about your favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes in a comment below.

4.95 from 108 votes (41 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • judith
    February 13, 2018

    I have made this a couple of times now & we love it.. Thank you x

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 13, 2018

      You’re welcome Judith! I’m glad to hear you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Sarah
    January 9, 2018

    THIs was so comforting & hearty! I used cauliflower rice to make it low carb. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 9, 2018

      You’re welcome Sarah! I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Shelly
    January 1, 2018

    My father made a variation of this recipe for as long as I can remember for more than 50 years. Difference; instead of fresh mushrooms which my husband does not like, Dad used mushroom soup. And we serve it on lightly grilled hamburger buns. He always called it turkey burgers, my kids and grandkids call it turkey sloppy joes but everyone loves it

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 1, 2018

      Oh yum! That sounds delicious Shelly! Thanks for sharing your great suggestion with other readers!

      Reply

    • Jennifer Shue
      November 28, 2018

      Cream of mushroom soup is good for some things, but the beauty of this recipe is you’re making that homemade which is soooo much better! Just saying it’s worth it to take the extra minute to make that roux 🙂 Sorry i just have my opinions, i HAD to share cuz it’s so good homemade for a change! 🙂

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 28, 2018

        Thank you for sharing that with me, Jennifer!

        Reply

  • Yaffi Lvova, RDN
    November 27, 2017

    Wow. So I actually really dislike mushrooms- just texture/ idea of a fungus thing. But one of my kids insisted that I buy some and then I happened upon this recipe. I fully processed the mushrooms in my mini-prep so I could hide them from myself. I used Earth Balance (salted butter substitute) because we are dairy-free, so I was very careful with salt in other areas of the recipe. I added a pinch of rubbed sage and a sprinkle of sweet paprika. This was amazing. Delicious. I served it on top of quinoa with sweet potatoes and peas. Thumbs up from the whole family, including two 4 year olds and a baby.
    Side note- I think this would also be amazing for vegetarians and vegans, just the gravy on top of quinoa and roasted veggies.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 27, 2017

      I’m so glad to hear the recipe is a HIT! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Jim
    November 26, 2017

    Wonderful. Definitely will make again

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 27, 2017

      I’m glad you love it Jim! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Steven V Chamberlin
    November 25, 2017

    I get that the reason the seasoning was rather sparse was to allow for however folks might have seasoned their bird. When I made this, it turned out very flat and pasty. We kicked it up a notch with some pepper paste from Trader Joe’s, some smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. It ended up pretty tasty!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 26, 2017

      Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply

  • Dina
    November 24, 2017

    Delicous!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 24, 2017

      I’m glad you like it Dina! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Richard Cutt
    November 23, 2017

    Natasha – Happy Thanksgiving, I just wanted to tell you I used your recipe for my 24 pound turkey today and it was the best I ever made and lived up to everything in your video. Also the drippings made a extreme gravy by just adding flour and water. Thanks again for the perfect turkey recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 23, 2017

      Richard, thank you for such a rave review, I’m all smiles 😬. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.

      Reply

  • Sabrina V
    November 22, 2017

    Wow. This is amazing. Thank you. Not sure how to post a pic lol

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 23, 2017

      I’m glad you love the recipe Sabrina! Please feel free to share your photos on my Facebook page, I love seeing them! 😊

      Reply

  • Gayle
    October 31, 2017

    Love this recipe. Easy. Delicious. And it worked great with my gluten free flour. Easy swap that did not alter the taste or texture. All ingredients mandatory, including the parsley…. Thanks for a delicious dinner recipe using a leftover turkey breast. Welcome to November! Will definitely be using this recipe over and over.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 31, 2017

      I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe Gayle! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Mel
    October 28, 2017

    Hi Natasha!
    This recipe looks amazing. We LOVE anything with mushrooms! Lol.
    May I please use this recipe and an image in a Thanksgiving leftovers recipe roundup?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 28, 2017

      Hi Mel! That would be fine and thank you for the feature! 🙂

      Reply

  • Haley
    June 14, 2017

    Absolutely loved this recipe! It was so good we didn’t have any leftover to keep for lunch the next day!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 14, 2017

      Yay, I am so glad to hear that Haley! Thanks for sharing your review!

      Reply

  • Linda
    December 29, 2016

    Well I made this tonight. So easy 5 star.
    Made a side of roasted green beans. This has to be the best leftover recipe I have ever made ! Another 5 stars.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 30, 2016

      I am so happy to hear that Linda! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂

      Reply

  • Pam
    December 4, 2016

    Did recipe with chicken ohhh so good.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 4, 2016

      I’m so happy you like dit! 🙂

      Reply

  • Kristyn
    December 1, 2016

    Just found your recipe via Pinterest! It’s super yummy. I did add about a tablespoon each of Marsala cooking wine and balsamic vinegar. Mmmm… perfecto! Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 1, 2016

      Mmm yum! Thank you for sharing your add-ins! 🙂

      Reply

  • Cindy
    November 28, 2016

    I made this again this year. It was just as yummy as I remember. I added some peas as someone suggested and served over buttered noodles. It was sooooooooooooo goooooooooood! I added a little garlic powder just to zip it up a bit. I still have lots of turkey left so will make it again after we recover from turkey over load. lol

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 28, 2016

      Thats awesome! I’m so happy you loved the recipe and your idea of adding peas and serving over buttered noodles,… mmm mmm!!!

      Reply

  • Ashley
    November 28, 2016

    Natasha do you know what the calorie count on this recipe is?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 28, 2016

      Hi Ashley, I don’t typically include calorie counts because of the time constraint that I have. I really need to hire some help to do that for me! When I need a quick answer though; I have used Caloriecount.com (their recipe analyzer is free).

      Reply

      • Ashley
        November 28, 2016

        Thank you!

        Reply

  • Gwen
    November 27, 2016

    I served ours over Amish egg noodles and it was awesome! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 28, 2016

      Gwen, you are very welcome and I’m so glad to hear that you liked the recipe 😬.

      Reply

  • Cerrica
    November 24, 2016

    I am going to make this tmrw. It is making my mouth water! This will cure my aching neck. Happy Thanksgiving Natasha and your wonderful family. God Bless your home. Keep up the super work!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 24, 2016

      Thank you so much and a blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you also! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lia
    November 23, 2016

    I really want to make this but I dont have mushrooms. What else can you use?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 24, 2016

      Lia, you can simply omit the mushrooms and the recipe still turns out great 😬.

      Reply

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