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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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

  • Marijka
    November 30, 2019

    Easier left over Turkey. In large pan add tablespoon of butter, stuffing, turkey and gravy…I eyeball how much of each…over medium heat with pan covered, fry about 5 minutes, then take lid off and turn the ingredients till a little browned..serve with leftover cranberry sauce. Sorry if I can’t give precise amounts, I just ask my hubby if that’s enough meat etc. I do the same with my portion. It really is good and easy.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 30, 2019

      I love the idea of serving with leftover cranberry sauce. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Matt Taylor
    November 28, 2019

    Yummy! Such an awesome way to use leftover turkey! I am always looking for good after Thanksgiving recipes. Thanks so much! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 28, 2019

      It really is our favorite way to repurpose leftover turkey without that “leftover” taste. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Katie
    November 28, 2019

    Looks so delicious! Need to do this with our leftovers!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 28, 2019

      Thank you Katie! I hope it becomes a new favorite for you!

      Reply

  • Melissa
    November 27, 2019

    Yum!!! This did not taste like left overs. I loved the mushrooms and the gravy with the left over Turkey!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2019

      Amazing isn’t it! Thank you for sharing that great review with me, Melissa!

      Reply

  • Eleni
    October 28, 2019

    What a good idea! I can’t believe I didn’t think of doing something like this. I get so sick of turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving haha,

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 28, 2019

      I’m so glad you came across this recipe! Thank you for watching.

      Reply

  • Stephanie
    April 3, 2019

    This was so easy and SO good over mashed potatoes! Great way to use the leftover turkey breast. Next time I’ll either double the gravy or add less turkey. Thanks for the new leftover recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Thank you for that awesome review!

      Reply

  • Sharon Fiddler
    December 26, 2018

    Thank you for this recipe, it was very tasty.

    Reply

  • Monica
    December 2, 2018

    Natasha,This recipe is absolutely amazing. It was the best leftover Turkey recipe I have ever made. And having my husband enjoy it was a plus. The only thing I did different from your recipe, I reduced the broth by 1/2 cup and exchanged it for Chardonnay. I will definitely make this again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 2, 2018

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂

      Reply

  • Yesenia
    November 28, 2018

    Delicious!! Looking forward to leftover turkey next year just so I can make this again…WOW!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2018

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Jennifer Shue
    November 28, 2018

    Mmmm, so good! Came out perfect and i ate too much lol. The turkey tasted so good and not dry at ALL and it used a LOT of my leftovers i didn’t want to waste. But the recipe sounded simple and good and it was delicious, perfect!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2018

      That’s so great! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Jmf
    November 26, 2018

    Delicious! Made it last night with the last of the turkey. Only difference is that I added Swiss chard stems with the onions and added the leaves in with the mushrooms to make it a little healthier. Even my 4 year old liked it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 26, 2018

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it and Swiss chard sounds like a great way to add veggies! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lis
    November 25, 2018

    Fabulous and so easy.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Pamela Armstrong-Manchester
    November 24, 2018

    Hi Natash,
    I just made your “Leftover Turkey in Creamy Mushroom Sauce”

    1st the positive: The way you lay out the recipe, describe it, show pictures is all great! Thank you. And, a variation on Tetrazini with no cheese is a boon!
    #2. However, I think your timing for each step is way off! Since I believed you, dinner got on the table much, much later than indictated from the recipe!!!
    #3. Re: flavor – it needs more than salt and pepper! Much more! I suggest you either add: For added flavor add herbs and spices as you like or give some suggestions.

    I also suggest adding a bit of Mirin, a Rice Cooking Wine by Eden. It adds a wonderful touch, actually to most any dish! It can be found in most Healthfood Stores and/or Wholefoods. We also topped with grated parmesian cheese + cilantro for color as you suggested. I did not have parsley on hand.

    Last but not least, thank you for giving another option for left over Turkey. All the best, Pamela

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2018

      Hi Pamela! The recipe does assume that the turkey meat has been plucked from the carcass so depending on how thorough you are – it can definitely take longer than 10 minutes of prep 🙂 I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  • Damon Miller
    November 24, 2018

    Soooo good.
    We used some Schilling Turkey Gravy powder from the packet instead of flour for the roux. We also used turkey bouillon instead of chicken broth.
    And finally we added some fresh sage and thyme.
    Best use of leftover turkey yet.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2018

      That sounds lovely! Thank you for sharing that with me, Damon!

      Reply

  • Dan Sonourner
    November 23, 2018

    This turkey and mushroom sauce recipe is really good. Made it for my family with my leftover turkey, and it received rave reviews. Definitely a keeper.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2018

      It is one of my favorites as well! Thank you for sharing this review with me Dan!!

      Reply

  • Anna
    November 23, 2018

    Thank you for another delicious recipe Natasha ! Great way to use leftover turkey. We really enjoyed it.
    Happy Holidays 😊

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 23, 2018

      I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you for the amazing review! This is definitely one of our favorite leftover turkey recipes!! I always hope for leftovers just for this 🙂

      Reply

  • Jeannette
    November 23, 2018

    I make something very similar, but add a bit of cognac to it and serve it over Parmesan thyme grits or polenta if you’re not from the South. Totally decadent!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 23, 2018

      Mmm that sounds like quite a treat!! Thanks for sharing your tip!

      Reply

  • Healthy Kitchen 101
    November 23, 2018

    This recipe significantly helps after the Thanksgiving as my family have never finished the whole turkey 😅 Yummy! – Natalie

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2018

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Michele
    November 22, 2018

    Just, thank you for the best bake tips. I’m 71 and finally understand beating the eggs for 7minutes to get lift. You demystify baking.

    A safe and happy Thanksgiving.
    Michele

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 22, 2018

      Hi Michele, thank you so much for writing in and sharing that with me. It is so inspiring! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

      Reply

  • Mary
    October 18, 2018

    So good! I did not have fresh mushrooms, but had some dehydrated ones. So I rehydrated and used the soaking water in place of one cup of the broth. I used this as the bottom part of a Shepherd’s Pie! It was so yummy. Layered peas on top and then a layer of mashed sweet potato and white potato! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 18, 2018

      Hi Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.