Are you tired of throwing away that leftover turkey carcass after the holidays? Think again! With a little creativity, you can transform it into a delicious and hearty meal. In this article, we’ll show you 18 mouth-watering turkey carcass recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
From comforting soups and stews to flavorful broths and casseroles, these recipes will help you make the most of your leftover turkey. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or international flavors, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and give those bones new life!
Turkey Carcass Soup with Vegetables and Barley
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a hearty and nutritious soup, packed with vegetables and whole grain barley.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with bones and skin)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place turkey carcass on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, carrots, celery, garlic, roasted turkey carcass, barley, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Homemade Turkey Bone Broth
This homemade turkey bone broth recipe is a simple and cost-effective way to create a nutritious and flavorful liquid gold that’s perfect for soups, stews, or as a healthy drink on its own.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 lbs turkey bones (necks, backs, wings, and legs)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place turkey bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted turkey bones, water, apple cider vinegar, carrot, celery, and onion.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard solids.
6. Let broth cool before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Turkey Carcass and Wild Rice Stew
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a hearty and flavorful stew with wild rice, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (backbone and wings), cut into large pieces
– 2 cups mixed wild rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine turkey pieces, wild rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the turkey is falling apart.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooker Turkey Carcass Noodle Soup
Transform leftover turkey carcasses into a delicious and comforting soup with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for using up Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers, this hearty soup is a great way to stretch your turkey’s lifespan.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 turkey carcasses (with some meat still attached)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the turkey carcasses in a slow cooker.
2. Add the chicken broth, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the turkey.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Turkey Carcass and Dumplings
Transform your leftover turkey carcass into a hearty and comforting soup with tender dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb leftover turkey carcass (neck, back, and wing bones)
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– Dumpling mixture (see below)
Dumpling Mixture:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, combine turkey carcass, carrots, celery, and garlic.
3. Pour in chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Make the dumpling mixture by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
6. Drop small spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the turkey broth, stirring gently to prevent lumps.
7. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Turkey Carcass Chili
This hearty chili recipe makes perfect use of leftover turkey carcass, infusing it with bold spices and rich flavors. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a post-holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover turkey carcass (white and dark meat), diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos, sour cream, shredded cheese for toppings
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook onion, garlic, and red bell pepper over medium heat until vegetables are tender.
2. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook 1 minute.
3. Add diced turkey, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of jalapenos, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Lentil Stew
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a nutritious and flavorful stew with the added goodness of lentils. This comforting dish is perfect for using up holiday leftovers or as a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover turkey carcass, including bones and meat
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine turkey carcass, lentils, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
4. Simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until lentils are tender and flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Turkey Carcass Pho with Rice Noodles
A hearty and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired soup made with tender turkey carcass, aromatic spices, and springy rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb turkey carcass (neck and bones)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 8 oz rice noodles
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine turkey carcass, beef broth, water, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, cumin, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Strain the soup broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
5. Serve hot with cooked rice noodles and garnished with cilantro leaves. Offer lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Cornbread Casserole
A creative way to reuse your Thanksgiving turkey carcass, this comforting casserole combines the savory flavor of turkey with sweet cornbread and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (neck and back bones)
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the turkey carcass in a little oil until browned.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornbread mix, milk, egg, and cheese.
4. Add the cooked turkey carcass to the bowl and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with cream of chicken soup and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Potato Chowder
This hearty chowder is a perfect way to repurpose the leftover turkey carcass after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. With tender chunks of potatoes, carrots, and celery, this comforting soup will warm your belly and soothe your soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass (neck and back bones), with some meat still attached
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the turkey carcass on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
3. In a large pot, sauté the diced potatoes, sliced carrot, and chopped celery in butter until they are slightly tender.
4. Add the roasted turkey carcass to the pot, along with chicken broth and milk or heavy cream.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Kale Soup
This hearty soup is a great way to use up leftover turkey carcass, with the added nutrition of kale. It’s a simple and comforting meal perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with some meat still attached)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass in a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
3. Add the chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the kale to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
5. Remove the turkey carcass from the pot and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the pot and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Quinoa Stew
Transform leftover turkey into a nutritious and flavorful stew, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep. This hearty recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted turkey with wholesome quinoa and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (neck and backbone)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup quinoa
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the turkey carcass on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
4. Add the quinoa, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Add the roasted turkey carcass to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Mushroom Risotto
This hearty risotto recipe makes use of leftover turkey carcass, perfect for utilizing every part of the bird. The addition of earthy mushrooms adds depth to this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover turkey carcass, chopped
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped turkey carcass and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the Arborio rice and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the warmed chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass and White Bean Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey carcass, rich with flavors of tender meat, creamy beans, and aromatic spices. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly day or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (with some meat still attached)
– 2 cups white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roast the turkey carcass in a large Dutch oven for 30 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, and cumin to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the beans, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
6. Remove the turkey carcass from the pot, let it cool, then pull off any remaining meat and return it to the soup.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Turkey Carcass and Spinach Orzo
This recipe transforms a humble turkey carcass into a flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal, perfect for using up holiday leftovers. With the added nutrition of spinach and orzo, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients:
– 1 turkey carcass (neck, back, and wings)
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the turkey carcass, chicken broth, and orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Sweet Potato Stew
Transform leftover turkey carcass into a delicious and hearty stew with the addition of sweet potatoes, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb turkey carcass (with bones and meat)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine turkey carcass, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the pot and bake for 1 hour.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Turkey Carcass and Herb Dumpling Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect way to repurpose leftover turkey carcass, making it a budget-friendly and eco-friendly meal option. With the addition of fragrant herbs and tender dumplings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass (bones, meat, and skin)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine turkey carcass, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare dumpling mixture by combining flour, eggs, and melted butter in a bowl.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into small squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
7. Add dumplings to the soup pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey Carcass and Split Pea Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect way to repurpose the leftover turkey carcass from your holiday feast, making it a thrifty and delicious meal for a chilly day. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, you’ll be sipping on this goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey carcass (white and dark meat), chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup split peas
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and chopped turkey carcass in a little bit of oil until browned.
2. Add the split peas, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Don’t toss that turkey carcass! With these 18 hearty recipes, you can create delicious meals using leftover turkey. From soups and stews to casseroles and risottos, there’s something for everyone. Try making Turkey Carcass Soup with Vegetables and Barley or Spicy Turkey Carcass Chili. If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness, opt for Slow Cooker Turkey Carcass Noodle Soup or Turkey Carcass and Dumplings. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something more mild, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to please.