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.
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
- 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 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.
- Add a layer of chips to the pan
- Sprinkle with cheese
- Add a layer of turkey
- Sprinkle with black beans
- Another layer of cheese
- Another layer of chips
- Top with remaining turkey and beans
- And the final layer of cheese.
- Bake until heated through and all the cheese is melty.
- 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.
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.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important!
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Ingredients
- 12 ounces corn tortilla chips
- 2 cups turkey cooked and shredded
- 14 ounces black beans (one can) drained
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- ½ cup salsa
- sliced jalapenos optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Combine the turkey and salsa, tossing to coat.
- In a 9x13 baking dish or cast iron skillet, spread ½ of the tortilla chips
- Cover the chips with ⅓ of the cheese
- Cover with ½ the turkey mixture
- Spread ½ of the beans
- Layer ⅓ of the cheese
- Spread the remaining tortilla chips evenly over the cheese
- Cover with the remaining turkey, then the beans
- Top with the remaining cheese
- Bake 10 minutes
- Serve hot with desired toppings (see post for suggestions)
Notes
- 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! 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 with 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.
Aya
I’m bookmarking this recipe! I have no idea what to do with leftover turkey and this sounds like the perfect plan. Love the use of black beans in nachos. I can’t wait to try this, I know it will turn out amazing!
Colleen
You're going to love these turkey nachos, Aya! Enjoy!
Rob
What a brilliant idea! We always have leftover turkey whenever we make it, and this is such a fun, easy and delicious way to enjoy it!
Colleen
It really is fun, easy and delicious, Rob! Enjoy these nachos with your leftover turkey.
Amy
Such a great idea post Thanksgiving! I always have leftovers and this recipe seems nice and easy! Bookmarked for after the big day!
Colleen
You'll love these nachos for your big day leftovers, Amy!
Sabrina
So good! We made these after thanksgiving when I was way too tired to cook anymore. Kicked back with a movie and my family went crazy for these. Thanks!
Colleen
Hi Sabrina. That's so great to hear! I'm so happy your family enjoyed these nachos.
Jere Cassidy
I actually cook turkey throughout the year and of course for Thanksgiving, these nachos are perfect for tall those leftovers. What a good idea.
Colleen
Thanks, Jere! Enjoy.
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
!!!! My husband's birthday is the day after Thanksgiving aka Big Football Day, and this is the PERFECT use for leftover turkey! Can't wait to make these for him.
Colleen
Hi Lindsay. Happy Birthday to your husband. I hope you both enjoy these nachos. And Happy Thanksgiving!
Terri
Fabulous leftover turkey idea and perfect for movie night~!
Colleen
Hi Terri, nachos are a must for movie night!
nancy
what a great way to use up leftover turkey with nachos!! After a labour intensive meal, this simple one pan meal is the best!
Sara Welch
Definitely saving this for all my Thanksgiving left overs! Looks worthy of a restaurant, indeed! Delicious!
Colleen
Hey Sara, these nachos are perfect for leftover turkey. Enjoy!
Matt Ivan
I love Mexican food but usually only make it with chicken, steak or shrimp. I know what I’m doing with my leftover turkey!
Colleen
Hi Matt, you'll love these nachos for your leftover turkey. Enjoy!
Katia
We're making this tonight! I was just wondering what to do with all of my leftovers.
Colleen
Enjoy, Katia! I would love to hear how you enjoyed your turkey nachos!
Cathleen
I love this recipe so much!! It was just Canadian thanksgiving, so I have a lot of leftover turkey. This is so perfect to use it up! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Colleen
You're so welcome, Cathleen! Happy Thanksgiving!
Kushigalu
Interesting recipe to try using leftover s. Thanks for sharing
Colleen
You're welcome, Kushigalu!