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Leftover Turkey in Gravy

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 107 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
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.

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.95 from 107 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Sandra
    October 11, 2022

    Delicious Natasha! I served it with rice because I could not face the daunting task of peeling more potatoes. LOL

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 11, 2022

      Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Sandra! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Pam Stephens
    January 10, 2022

    Comfort food at its finest! So easy and oh so good. I did add a bit of Thyme because I love it and everyone devoured it. I used up some frozen leftover turkey and served it with mashed potatoes. A repeater for sure!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      We LOVE our comfort food! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Pam!

      Reply

  • IRENA
    January 4, 2022

    JUST LOVED THIS RECIPE. I ADDED RE- HYDRATED PORCINI MUSHROOMS WITH ITS LIQUID. OMG!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 4, 2022

      Hi Irena, I’m glad you loved it! Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Rashawnda Wright
    November 29, 2021

    Easy and flavorful way to use leftover turkey. I added thyme to the gravy and served over rice.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 29, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Stacy Mullins
    November 28, 2021

    Just made the leftover turkey and gravy recipe. It was so good! My new favorite for left over turkey!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 28, 2021

      Great to hear that you loved it, Stacy. Thank you for the review!

      Reply

  • Alissa Mower Clough
    November 25, 2021

    In what sense is this “chili”? There are no peppers, no tomatoes, no oregano or cumin. It’s a nice hot turkey in mushroom sauce, kind of French and rather well mannered.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 26, 2021

      Hi Alissa, we don’t consider this a chili. But it is a great way to use leftover turkey like a gravy sauce. I hope you love it.

      Reply

    • Sylvia Marie
      November 29, 2021

      I don’t see anything regarding that this is ‘chili’. you must have pulled the wrong recipe. But, add your ingredients, and you got a yummy chili

      Reply

  • Marie
    November 25, 2021

    I made this today. Amazing !!!
    I’ve been doing Thanksgiving turkey for over 30 years
    This recipe is far above any turkey I’ve ever cooked. We adore every recipe of yours we have tried. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2021

      I’m happy to know that, Marie. Thanks a lot for your great comments and feedback. We appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Martin
    May 3, 2021

    I made this tonight. I added 50ml sauvignon blanc to the onion/mushroom mix and 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning. I also added1/2 teaspoon of italian seasoning to the gravy.

    We thought it was very nice. served with mashed potato and green beans. We will use this recipe with the addons again next time we have turkey or chicken leftovers.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 3, 2021

      Sounds great, Martin. Thanks for sharing that with us, great to hear that it was a success!

      Reply

  • Vikki
    January 7, 2021

    Another 5 star recipe. I just got done making this, had to taste it before it is hot enough. It’s amazing!!!! Thanks again for another great recipe. Going to enjoy dinner now.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      Fantastic! Thank you for your perfect rating and excellent review, Vikki. We appreciate you sharing your experience with us.

      Reply

  • Cami
    January 2, 2021

    I used this recipe with the leftovers from my Christmas turkey, it was perfect ! Thanks for this easy recipe ! It was delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Cami!

      Reply

  • Debbie
    December 13, 2020

    Excellent recipe. I used baby Bella mushrooms for added flavor. I also increased the gravy by one half (3 cups broth) and served it over mashed potatoes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2020

      Sounds great! Thanks for letting us now, Debbie!

      Reply

  • Tamara
    December 7, 2020

    Natasha,
    I recently discovered your blog and love the recipes and your unique and animated videos!! Will definitely be coming back.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying my blog! Thank you for sharing that with us 🙂

      Reply

  • Jacqueline
    December 5, 2020

    Hi I love all your recipes
    Can I use cake flour in Stead of regular flour for the Cranberry Bundt Cake With orange zest thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2020

      Hi Jacqueline, all-purpose flour works best. I haven’t tried using cake flour instead to advise.

      Reply

  • Jackie
    December 3, 2020

    I followed your recipe to a T and have to say that I will definitely make this with turkey or chicken leftovers again. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 3, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jackie!

      Reply

  • Samantha
    December 2, 2020

    This recipe is so good!! Even the kids loved it😜

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 2, 2020

      That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Sharon White
    November 30, 2020

    Natasha,
    Thank you for this awesome recipe for Leftover Turkey and Gravy! The mushrooms enhance this dish so well! This will sure be a keeper recipe, we love it!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 30, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Daniel
    November 29, 2020

    This was an absolutely terrific way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 29, 2020

      Yes, so perfect for the leftovers! I’m glad you liked it, Daniel.

      Reply

  • Sue
    November 28, 2020

    Fabulous recipe. Will definitely make this again. I used one 14 oz can of chicken broth and about 2-3 cups dry white meat…yummy!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 28, 2020

      Hi Sue, I am so happy you loved the turkey in gravy! thank you for sharing your wonderful review.

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2020

      That sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Carla
    November 28, 2020

    Served over noodles (all the mashed potatoes were gone). It was scrumptious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Meytal
    November 28, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    Another great recipe!
    Thanks so much
    Please can you tell me how many grams go into the serving, in the nutritional information?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 28, 2020

      I’m glad you enjoeyd that, Meytal! Most of our recipes have a metric conversion option on the printable recipe card. We are currently working on adding metric measurements to all of our recipes, but it is taking some time to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient! In the meantime, check out our post on measuring which should help.

      Reply

      • Meytal
        November 29, 2020

        Hi Natasha,
        Thanks for that, I just meant for the serving in the nutritional values (calories, fat and so on) you mention 300 calories per serving, but could you advise on how much is 1 serving? in which ever units you prefer (gram, lb, cup?)

        Reply

        • Natasha
          November 29, 2020

          Hi Meytal, depending on how much turkey you are using, the serving size will be roughly 1 cup.

          Reply

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