Are you looking for leftover turkey ideas? Look no further than Leftover Turkey Nachos. These are our Thanksgiving turkey nachos and they are an easy, fresh and delicious way to use up some of that leftover turkey.

Leftover turkey nachos in a cast iron pan. — Nachos are ready.

When you think of turkey nachos, you usually think of ground turkey, which works great, too. But this nacho recipe uses your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. In a way that doesn't scream "leftovers", like many leftover turkey recipes tend to do.

Why You're Going To Love It

Leftover Turkey Nachos are pretty much effortless. You've already cooked up a Thanksgiving feast. Who needs to keep slaving in the kitchen?
Whip these up in no time. This recipe is just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Nachos are a casual, fresh way to use up the leftover turkey.
Besides turkey, you can use any toppings you like. We're keeping it pretty simple, with just turkey, cheese and beans. These nachos become loaded turkey nachos when you set out extra toppings for serving.
Nachos are a fun and relaxing meal! Everyone can grab a plate and dig in.
These turkey nachos are gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.

What You'll Need

The Ingredients to make the nachos. — The ingredients for turkey nachos

Tortilla Chips. We like restaurant style 100% corn stone ground tortilla chips. They taste so much better and are more authentic than Dorito style chips. And they're gluten-free. I like the combo of blue and yellow corn tortilla chips.
Leftover Turkey. White or dark meat or a combo are both good. Just don't use any fat or gristle-y parts (because that would be yucky). Shred the turkey into bite size pieces.
Black Beans. Canned beans work great and you can use red beans instead if that's what you have.
Cheese. Our favourite cheese for nachos is Monterey jack or sharp cheddar, and mozzarella always works, too.
Salsa. Use your favourite jarred salsa. You will be tossing the turkey in the salsa, so save any fresh Pico de Gallo, or Roasted Chili Corn Salsa for serving.
Jalapeno Peppers. These are optional. You can slice fresh jalapenos and add them before baking the nachos, or you can use pickled jalapenos. We prefer to serve them as a topping since not everyone likes the spice. (What? I know.)

Let's Build Our Nachos

Toss together the turkey and salsa.

The turkey and salsa being combined in a glass bowl. — Combining turkey with salsa.

Add a layer of chips to the pan
Sprinkle with cheese

Building the nachos, adding a layer of chips to the pan, then cheese. — Add chips, then cheese

Add a layer of turkey
Sprinkle with black beans

A layer of turkey is added, then a layer of beans. — Add turkey, then beans

Another layer of cheese
Another layer of chips

Adding another layer of cheese and then another layer of chips. — Add more cheese, then more chips

Top with remaining turkey and beans
And the final layer of cheese.

Adding the final two nacho layers. — More turkey and beans, then the final layer of cheese

Bake until heated through and all the cheese is melty.

The finished leftover turkey nachos in a cast iron pan ready to eat. — Nachos fresh from the oven

Serve as is, or with lots of toppings.

Some Nacho Topping Ideas

You can enjoy these turkey nachos as is, just let everyone scoop them onto plates. However, it's fun to have toppings if you are feeling more ambitious. Some nacho topping ideas:

lime wedges
hot sauce
fresh salsa
avocado slices
grape tomatoes
sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos or banana peppers
chopped peppers
sliced olives
guacamole
sour cream
sliced scallions

Recipe Tips

Layers or not? We like to use layers in a cast iron skillet and make a mountain of nachos, kind of like a nacho lasagna! (And it's fun to serve them in these cute little cast iron mini skillets) However, you can also bake them in one layer on a sheet pan.
Make them ahead. Assemble the whole dish ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Make them later. Shred your leftover turkey and freeze it for nachos later. You can even mix the turkey and salsa before freezing.
Use chicken or beef. These nachos are also great for using leftover chicken or beef.
Reheat. Nobody wants leftovers of leftovers, but it does happen, so you can reheat these, in a 400° oven for 10 minutes, or on the stove top over medium high for 10 minutes.

Two dishes of leftover turkey natchos with lime wedges. — Nachos with toppings

Drink Suggestions

Ice cold beer is always a natural choice with nachos, but if you are feeling a cocktail vibe, two particularly great choices are Prosecco Margarita Cocktail and Mexican Mule.

Need More Leftover Turkey Ideas?

Of course, turkey soup is always a comforting and familiar use of Thanksgiving leftovers. We love this one: Buckwheat Soup with Turkey. You can also make a casserole like Sweet Potato Apple Turkey Bake, or some tacos like these Turkey Tacos with Mango Salsa. Leftover turkey appetizers are great too, try Turkey & Feta Mini Quiche. I also love using turkey in salads. One of our favourites is Turkey, Pomegranate & Bacon Salad.

Recipe